Writer and filmmaker Jennifer Lee is well-known for her portrayals of Asian American experiences. She talks about the cultural differences she experienced as a child growing up in an immigrant family in one of her essays. She remembers clearly how her own Chinese family did not participate in the custom of bringing homemade baked goods, such as brownies and cookies, to elementary school bake sales, whereas the majority of children did.

This observation speaks to the larger issue of identity and assimilation that many immigrants deal with. Due to their background, Lee's family found it difficult to integrate into cultural customs they were not used to, much like a fish might feel out of place in a strange stream. The incapacity to prepare classic American baked goods like pies or cookies served as a metaphor for the greater difficulties immigrant families encountered adjusting to new norms and expectations.

Lee clarifies the intricacies of cultural identity and the occasionally imperceptible obstacles that may appear for people assimilating into a new society through her observations. Her story challenges readers to think about how cultural norms and customs differ greatly among communities and how these variations are frequently more apparent in childhood.

In addition to acknowledging the universal experiences of growing up and figuring out one's place in a community, Jennifer Lee's work highlights the significance of comprehending and respecting people from different cultural backgrounds. Every culture has distinctive traditions and customs that add to the rich tapestry of human experience, as her essay reminds us.