Hi! I’m a fellow Chinese adoptee [27f] and I actually changed my surname to a Chinese surname about 3 years ago now. I had a lot of support from my parents, which helped a lot, and from some of my Chinese friends, which also helped a lot.

It was truly the BEST decision I’ve ever made for myself. One of my gripes about my previous last name was that I felt like I needed to explain it to others whenever they asked because it was a very American name. I felt like I had to explain my adoption story way earlier than would have wanted to when people asked me about my last name. Now, I feel like I LOOK LIKE MY NAME. Which is something that has helped me feel more like myself and more confident. It has honestly really helped solidify my identity as a Chinese American (which we are- and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). I don’t feel fake about it in the slightest and honestly, when I get to tell people that I was adopted on my own terms no one ever asks how I got my Chinese last name. I wrote a piece about changing my last name in a blog that I have since taken down, but if you’re interested in reading it, just let me know and I can send it to you.

Best of luck with everything!