“Some people migrate for fun, but most people do it because they need help; we have a responsibility to provide that help,” says Xueli. She was born in China, but was soon abandoned. “I don’t know exactly why, but at the time China had a one-child policy, and it may have had something to do with my albinism.” This condition, in which her skin and hair have little color pigment, was not a problem for a Dutch couple. They adopted Xueli after she had lived in an orphanage for 2.5 years. “That gave me a second chance at life.”
Fortunately, she has hardly ever experienced discrimination, but she finds it difficult when people ask her about her origins. “When they ask where I come from and I say the Netherlands, they ask, ‘Where are you really from?’. Then I think: if you already know what you want to hear, you can fill it in yourself.”
More international
She lived in Voorburg, a town next to The Hague, but moved to a special school in Rotterdam because of her visual and hearing impairments. As she grew older in Rotterdam, she noticed that the city is busier than Voorburg. “More people live there, and there are more different cultures. People speak to me in English here, but not there. Rotterdam is also more internationally oriented. I like that. I think it’s important that we show that everyone is diverse and that everyone belongs.”
Dutch and Chinese
She sees herself as both Dutch and Chinese. “My DNA is entirely Chinese, but I feel Dutch. I embrace both cultures. I take my shoes off indoors and am a bit more reserved than Dutch people because I believe keeping your distance from people shows respect; that’s Chinese. Just like I don’t really want to unwrap gifts in front of the person who gave them to me. I prefer to put it aside so I can unwrap it later without social pressure to like it. I just trust that people who give me gifts have done their best.” In addition to these customs and preferences from China, she has also certainly adopted Dutch culture. “When you live somewhere, you have to learn the language and customs. And the food—I now have a huge fondness for cheese,” she laughs. “And I’ve adopted the directness of the Netherlands.” But she prefers not to think too much in terms of countries and borders. “That comes back like a boomerang.” She tries to bring all cultures and countries together by eating with different people. “With dumplings and fries; that makes me happy,” she laughs.
In addition to diversity, she also embraces the city’s “hands-on culture.” “I like to ‘get things done.’ I don’t believe in talking a lot, I like to turn your plans into action.” And that’s what she does.
Youth ambassador and her own foundation
She has become a youth ambassador for UNESCO against racism and discrimination. “That means I get to attend masterclasses, help out, and set up my own projects.” In addition to her work for UNESCO, she has also set up her own foundation. “At the Open Eye Foundation, I want to raise awareness about albanism and really make a difference.” It takes time, but she thinks it’s perfectly normal to be so committed to society. “It’s not about the title or being praised, but about being there for people. Whether it’s donating blood or something else, everyone can do something.”