After immigrating from China, OU graduate student Haifan Xiao expected the common challenges of living and studying in another country. She said she never imagined she would have to face a far greater obstacle â not feeling ânormalâ in the midst of a global pandemic.
Xiao and a friend left the airport in Ames, Iowa, after Xiaoâs flight from Beijing, China, which lasted over 24 hours. Xiaoâs arrival in Ames marked the first time sheâd traveled to the U.S. Hungry from the trip, Xiao and her friend decided to head to a local fast-food restaurant. When the pair sat down â the only Asians in the restaurant â and began speaking Chinese, Xiao said she felt as if every eye in the restaurant was trained on their table.