My Impossible Life: The Extraordinary Journey of Liza Cheuk May Chan

Table of Contents

1. Escape from Hong Kong
2. New Beginnings in America
3. Overcoming Obstacles
4. Path to Success
5. Legacy of Resilience

Escape from Hong Kong

Liza Cheuk May Chan was born on June 28, 1935, in Hong Kong. Her childhood was marked by the turmoil of World War II and the subsequent Chinese Civil War. In 1949, as the Communists prevailed in the civil war, Chan's family made the difficult decision to flee the country.

With only a few meager possessions, they boarded a small fishing boat bound for Macau. The treacherous journey was filled with fear and uncertainty. The boat was overcrowded and ill-equipped to handle the rough seas.

My Impossible Life

by Liza Cheuk May Chan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6192 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	744 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

After landing in Macau, the Chan family faced further challenges. They had no money, no connections, and no place to call home. Determined to survive, they took on odd jobs and lived in cramped quarters.

New Beginnings in America

In 1952, Chan received a scholarship to study in the United States. She arrived in San Francisco with only $50 in her pocket. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, she persevered.

Chan enrolled at the University of San Francisco, where she majored in chemistry. She excelled academically, graduating with honors in 1956. After graduation, she worked as a research chemist for several years.

Overcoming Obstacles

Chan's path to success was not without its obstacles. As a woman and an immigrant, she faced discrimination and prejudice. She was often passed over for promotions and paid less than her male counterparts.

Undeterred, Chan continued to work hard and prove her worth. She also became involved in community activism, fighting for equal rights for women and minorities.

Path to Success

In 1976, Chan co-founded the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA),an organization dedicated to empowering the Chinese American community. She served as CACA's president for many years, advocating for education, economic development, and social justice.

In 1994, Chan was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as U.S. Commissioner on Civil Rights. In this role, she worked to protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of race, gender, religion, or national origin.

Legacy of Resilience

Liza Cheuk May Chan passed away on March 20, 2022, at the age of 86. She left behind a legacy of resilience, courage, and service.

Through her own personal journey and her work as an activist, Chan inspired countless others to overcome adversity and strive for a better future.

Long Descriptive Keywords for Alt Attribute

* **Liza Cheuk May Chan:** A Chinese American activist, politician, and chemist. * **Escape from Hong Kong:** The journey undertaken by Chan and her family to flee Communist China in 1949. * **New beginnings in America:** Chan's experience as an immigrant in the United States and her pursuit of education. * **Overcoming obstacles:** The challenges faced by Chan as a woman and an immigrant, including discrimination and prejudice. * **Path to success:** Chan's achievements as a chemist, activist, and public servant. * **Legacy of resilience:** The impact of Chan's life and work on the Chinese American community and beyond.

My Impossible Life

by Liza Cheuk May Chan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6192 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	744 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE