from one of my former students, also the author of the famed paper 'if it weren't for stereotypes, I wouldn't know I am asian'*

Today seemed like a regular Wednesday while walking one of my 4th grade classes across campus towards the lab. Everything changed when one of my female students, Christine, raised her hand. Since I was walking right next to her, I looked at her and asked what she needed. "What do you need?"

"Mr. Lau, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

The question surprised me. I was laughing inside of my head because I don't think she would have asked any of her other teachers the same question. She doesn't think I am an adult?

I replied, "A super-hero."

She gave me a puzzled look and said, "....really?"

I grinned and said, "I don't know yet. What do you want to be when YOU grow up?" She said she did not know yet.

I guess I have a lot in common with a 4th grader. Age means nothing here.

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* If I remember the title correctly.