Qin Sun Stubis shares her remarkable journey of resilience and triumph over adversity. Born in poverty during the Great Chinese Famine, Qin faced immense challenges in her early life, including being left alone as an infant. Despite the hardships, her mother's support and encouragement helped her pursue education and defy the odds. Qin's story is one of determination, from becoming a national tour guide in China to a celebrated writer in America. She shares her personal journey, from her public education in China focused on politics, to discovering her mother's remarkable life story, to studying English literature and becoming a tour guide for American visitors before pursuing a master's degree in the U.S. Qin reflects on her parents' resilience in the face of hardship, as her family's history was shaped by war and upheaval. Her parents endured immense struggles, including her father's imprisonment during the Cultural Revolution, but remained determined and filled with love and hope for their daughters. Qin's resilience was forged by witnessing her family's struggles and realizing she had to rely on her inner strength. Despite facing poverty and being teased by classmates, she found strength in her mother's support and academic achievements. Her memoir, "Once Our Lives," inspired by preserving her parents' legacy, has received numerous accolades. As a Chinese immigrant to America, Qin embraced cultural differences with an open mind, learning to adapt and even marrying an American man. Her experiences highlight the power of determination and the richness that comes from bridging diverse cultural backgrounds.