Editor’s note: The following letter was written in response to the Opinion column “Embracing biracial identity through resilience, strength of female ancestors” by Mia Burzminski.

As a half-Chinese, half-white student in high school, I really connected with this article. I’ve struggled with feeling like an outsider in my school and community because I am part Asian, but I’ve learned to embrace all parts of my identity because it represents the memories and experiences of my ancestors. Looking back on their stories, their strength in the face of adversity continues to inspire me.

In a time when diversity programs are being forcefully canceled and women are losing control over their bodies, it is easy to feel powerless. However, it is important to remember how far we have come, despite the obstacles.

People have been discriminated against throughout history, but even when it looked like things would never get better, some stood up despite the risks to make their voices heard. They did not back down out of fear and instead fought strongly for what they believed in.

Nothing will change unless we choose to act. People must unify to push back against discrimination and stand up for themselves. I’m proud of who I am, and I should not be made to feel less than by society, which is why now is not the time to remain passive. Now is the time to continue what generations before us have done and join together to speak up for our rights.

Paige Kirschbaum is a high school freshman from Poway, California. Her sister is an incoming first-year student at UCLA for the class of 2029.