Cassia Egan-Lawless
Finding Identity

Growing up, my adoption wasn’t something that I thought about a lot. I was like any other kid, too focused on trying to fit in, make friends, and find hobbies or sports that interested me. But, there were times when I wished I was like the majority of my class, kids who looked like everybody else and who knew their biological parents. Sometimes I even wanted to look like them. Perhaps I wanted to be "normal." Finding identity as an adoptee is a difficult, weird, graceful, messy, and ever-changing journey that no two people will experience in the same way. I wanted to delve into the challenges and the inside stories of adoptees and their exploration in discovering just what it means to be adopted and live in the United States all while trying to find who they are. Playing around with how the lights and shadows fall on each subject is my interpretation. This is my love letter to all the adoptees out there no matter where they come from. I hope they can relate and maybe find some solace.