Zoë Reback, a 25-year-old resident of North Carolina, embarked on a journey to find answers about her origins. Adopted as a baby from Vietnam, she faced many questions about her identity. Raised in an affluent New Jersey suburb by a loving family, Zoë grew up conscious of her adoption.
Her mother informed her early on about her adoption from Vietnam. However, the predominantly white community she grew up in meant she often felt out of place. Her school had few non-white students, and Zoë sometimes felt like an outsider within her own family. While on family vacations, the friends she brought along, typically white, seemed to fit in better visually with her family.
Childhood was not without its challenges. Zoë endured racist remarks from peers, who made jokes about her appearance and adoption. These experiences left a mark, especially comments suggesting her birth mother had abandoned her.
Despite pondering her birth mother, Zoë kept her thoughts private. Her adoption was rarely discussed, especially after her parents’ separation when she was eight. The family dynamics were complex, with four older biological siblings who had moved out. The emotional strain led her to therapy by age six, and a diagnosis of depression and anxiety followed in middle school. She felt isolated and different, which influenced how she interacted with her adoptive family.
In the pandemic, she found a file with her adoption details, including her birth mother’s name, Tran Thi My Trang. Discovering this was unexpected. She preserved this knowledge without confronting her adoptive mother, aware of the emotional sensitivities involved. For six years, she held onto the name, eager but cautious about contacting her birth mother.
In April, Zoë revisited the file in more detail and discovered a police report indicating that her birth mother might have used a false name. This revelation was confusing and saddening. It raised questions about her birth mother’s circumstances and choices. Discussing this with her adoptive mother revealed it was common in Vietnam to use fake names in such contexts.
This challenge did not deter Zoë. A DNA test offers another path to uncovering her history. She seeks to learn about her birth mother, not in search for parental love but personal connection. Zoë values the adoptive parents who gave her love and support. While she holds onto hope for the truth, she remains content with the family she already cherishes.
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