I was born an outsider. In my hometown, where a coal mine was on the verge of bankruptcy, my introverted and feminine traits did not make it easy for me to get involved in society. Bullying occurred at school, even on my way there, which is only 300 meters from my home.

I swore to leave as far away as possible for my studies, and luckily, I made it. In Beijing, I began to discover this world and to meet classmates from big cities. I could see, and they could see, the differences between a boy who learned the ABCs at 12 years old, left his city for the first time, and others who had already traveled abroad many times.

But I am stubborn and did not make my life any easier by choosing to be in France. This time, I was a complete outsider. I learned the language and tried to remain silent during dinner, which I completely failed at. I tried putting on a suit and thinking about which hairstyle would make me appear less Asian. But even then, they still shout “Go back to your country” at me in the streets.

I speak four languages, but all with an accent, even my mother tongue now. Once, an American friend said to me, “Funny, you speak English with a French accent,” but I am Chinese. I realized that I am in a position I never planned for.

I accepted my differences; I accepted that I am not in any group. I chose to be an observer—not inside any culture, but with the Point of View of an Outsider.