I drive the same route to work everyday. I probably even switch lanes within the same 50 feet each time. It’s efficient, and the traffic becomes very predictable. But, there are several situations that turn my autopilot mind off: bikers in the lane, cars backed up on a street that I usually fly 30 mph on, and so on. Sometimes my impatience with the traffic leads me to find new routes to work, even though it ends up lengthening my commute anyway. Without obstructions, I’d go right through my morning commute on autopilot and occupy my mind with whatever thoughts that come up.

This morning, I was on autopilot and started thinking about the day ahead. I thought about what I would be doing, and the people I might interact with. I ended up spending the last 10 minutes of my drive recalling high school experiences. I guess being around so many middle school students helps me reflect on my own teenage years.

Chemistry was one of my favorite subjects in high school. The math wasn’t as complicated as it was in calculus, the information was very concrete, and it was fun to light things on fire in the lab. My favorite chemistry lab was the one where we did something to some piece of what looked like metal, and it turned into a bright glowing white light before POOF changing. Unfortunately, I don’t remember any details beyond that. I do remember that the lab was during our unit learning about catalysts.

Catalysts create change.

People can be catalysts, intentionally or not. And, for better or for worse. In the recent years, I’ve taken more interest and curiosity in the various injustices that exist in American society and systems. Beyond my own “lunch box moment,” and frustration at the surprise of colleagues who say, “That was very well spoken!” in response to my thoughts on the topic of conversation, I am more aware now than ever before about the challenges that non-Asian people of color in America face regularly. There are a number of individuals who have made bold stances of protest and baffling statements of discrimination, and I continue to wander through my development of cultural identity as an Asian American.

I am a catalyst.

Though I may reserve my words at times to hear another person out, I am clear of my own opinions.
Though I may express my opinions with boldness when I do choose to speak, I am fueled by emotion and empathy.
Though I may interact with one person differently from how I would interact with another, I am a consistent person.
Though I may speak American English without a foreign accent, I refuse to believe your way of saying “mirror,” “bag,” or “orange” is the only right way to say it.
Though I may have been considered “parentified” for translating rent leases and bank letters for my parents when I was a teen, I refuse to believe there is only one way to be a child.

I am a catalyst.

There are hundreds of middle school students that I have gotten to know over just the past three years, and most of them are children of parents who were not born in America. I get to counsel them, teach them, have fun with them, and empower them.

“18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.” – Matthew 4:18-20

How are you a catalyst?

Liz Chang resides in Seattle, WA and works for Navos as a substance abuse prevention & intervention specialist at a local middle school, and as a child and family therapist. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is working towards certification as a Chemical Dependency Professional.