One In A Billion

If you are a parent, what does your child’s name say about you? In America, most parents pick a name that reflects the femininity of a girl, the strength of a boy, or their own personality and individuality.  In China, a child’s name often embodies the parents’ hopes and dreams. They are idealistic and aspirational. If you want your son to aim and fly high, name him “Ling!” That’s Richard Yan’s Chinese name. His parents wanted him to follow in his father’s footstep to “fly across the Pacific Ocean” to America for higher education and a better life.   “Ever since I can remember, my parents have been telling me about the meaning of my name and stories about my dad while he was studying in the U.S. in the 1980s. We started learning English at a fairly young age as well, to prepare ourselves to go overseas to study. That has always been part of my identity and aspirations.”   Born in Wuhan and raised in Shenzhen, 31 year-old Richard has been living the “American Dream” as a Chinese dreamer. He has succeeded in