So I asked my amazing cousin Essence for her perspective on mixed race. She is 100% Korean ethnically but was adopted by a Japanese mom and a Caucasian dad who live in Hawaii. (I know she is lucky, right!) She identifies as Korean and also as Asian American. When asked to think about it a little more, she mentioned that "Living in Hawaii has had a strong influence on her growing up because of the diversity there. The mixed cultures upbringing really makes it easy to say that I'm both American and Asian." She is married to a terrific guy named Nurry who is of Chinese descent. Their adorable son, Parker, is 1/2 Chinese and 1/2 Korean Hawaiian American. He is only two now, so I am looking forward to speaking with him in a few year to hear his thoughts on mixed race.