No, really — I’m from Iowa.

Thi Thumasathit
Palo Alto, CA

I’m Asian-American. I was born in Thailand, but immigrated here when I was 3 months old so I speak perfect accent-free English. Since the age of 4, I grew up in Hull, Iowa, population 1,500. Invariably, I am asked (even in the Bay Area), “Where are you from?” After I respond, “Iowa.” most people just do a double-take, and I respond, “No, really — I’m from Iowa.”