Merk's parents have always been her biggest cheerleaders. They've always encouraged her to take the life they've given her and transform it into something of her own. But since moving out on her own, she worries that she won't develop her own identity beyond the "dutiful daughter" she feels pressure to be.

Our expert, Sara Stanizai (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Prospect Therapy, an LGBTQ+ affirming therapy practice based in Long Beach, CA. A queer, first-gen American herself, one of Sara's clinical specialties is working with other first-generation, bicultural, and immigrant Americans around issues of identity, and reconciling their place within two or more cultures. 

Check out Prospect Therapy here. If you loved this episode, be sure to check out He's the First to Go to College and How to Get Help When You're the Designated Translator.

We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and frustration so send us a detailed voice memo to hello@talktomamipapi.com. You might be on a future episode!

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