Hillsborough HS Senior Takes Journey Of Self Discovery, Publishes Memoir

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough High School senior Tiana Kuo, who speaks Mandarin Chinese at home, initially struggled with English when she was younger. Over time her English improved and she gravitated toward writing.

She started to become more confident in herself and began entering and winning writing competitions.

"Winning these competitions was a validation that motivated me to continue pursuing my writing endeavors and self-expression," said Kuo to Patch.

Just before her junior year in the summer of 2023, Kuo decided she wanted to open up and write her first book Abiding Adventures: A Memoir.

"Abiding Adventures: A Memoir is an atypical narrative about encountering cult tragedies, discovering synesthesia, and navigating mental and physical health, with cover art and illustrations I designed," said Kuo.

Her story centers around her growth and development, beginning with her whimsical childhood in Texas and moving to different states, including New York and New Jersey.

"With the temporary absence of my father and being the only child, I chased after the question, 'Why am I… me?' and negotiated through diverse challenges. I underwent an identity loss during the pandemic and felt I belonged somewhere or nowhere else," said Kuo. "Through introspection and reflections about the knowns, unknowns, questions, and inspirations, I took the time to uncover my individuality — a journey of self-discovery."

Through the 16-month writing process, Kuo was able to discover her "identity after undergoing identity loss during the pandemic due to cult and moving circumstances."

Writing a memoir can really open oneself up to the world, yet Kuo said it felt significantly fulfilling to share her perspective to the world.

"Writing this memoir made me feel much closer to myself. Recalling so much of my background and past made me feel emotionally vulnerable, primarily because of the intensity of the challenges I underwent," said Kuo. "Through this process, I have understood myself more, which has given me confidence in my thinking and how I view my surroundings. Despite acknowledging that some people may not accept me or my background stories, I am grateful and proud for having the courage to open up and share my story publicly."

Looking to the future, Kup plans to write more books.

"Books impact our thinking and mindset by building diversity and commonalities across all ages. There are endless ways to support our society through writing, which triggers more ideas for the future," said Kuo. "As long as life persists, new experiences and memories must occur, inspiring creative writing opportunities."

Abiding Adventures: A Memoir is circulating in the Somerset County Library System collection and is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/eX6b1Es.

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