Dora’s Story

Written By Matt Harra

Dora Liang (right) with her daughters Lauren Chan (center) and Taylor Chan (left)

Embracing a New Chapter: An Interview with Dora Liang, MFS Experience Corps Mentor

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — along with Older Americans Month — we celebrate Ms. Dora Liang, a remarkable MFS AARP Foundation Experience Corps literacy mentor. Dora's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and empowerment, reflecting her journey from Taiwan to the United States, her career as a pharmacist, and her newfound passions in retirement.

Dora moved to the United States from Taiwan at the age of fourteen. Her father, a diplomat, and her politically active mother, instilled in her a strong sense of duty and independence. Settling in San Francisco, she pursued her education at Berkeley and later embarked on a distinguished career in pharmacy. However, retirement brought a desire for change and new experiences

"I realized I could not live in LA anymore. It was too hot, and it didn't fit what I wanted to do in the last phase of my life," Dora shares. Portland's greenery, mountains, and accessible amenities made it an ideal choice. "I have kids and family, but I needed a place where I could thrive on my own terms."

In Southwest Portland, Dora found solace and freedom. "I have a small house with trees and can see the river in the wintertime. I love it here," she enthuses. This new environment provided the perfect backdrop for her to explore her passions without the pressure of her previous social commitments.

One of Dora's newfound passions is baking. Her stand, Eat Simply by Dora, at the Shemanski Park Farmers Market (near PSU in SW Portland) has become a beloved fixture for locals. Known for her irresistible chocolate chip cookies and other baked goods, Dora has found a new calling in this vibrant community. This isn't just a hobby for Dora; it's a continuation of her lifelong commitment to bringing joy to others, now through the simple pleasure of baked goods.

Dora's impact extends beyond her immediate surroundings. In Los Angeles, she was an advocate for educational equity, especially within the Asian American community. Her efforts to integrate and empower Chinese families in a Los Angeles suburb, where they were often marginalized, highlight her dedication to social justice. "The Chinese people there were treated like second class citizens,” Dora recalls. She strategically navigated local politics to ensure that Asian voices were heard and respected. Her approach was always diplomatic, using legal knowledge and community organization to achieve equal opportunities - like getting a Chinese-American woman elected as PTA President. “I’m all about teaching Asians about using their “people power” - understand the law, understand the bylaws and things like that.”

Now in Portland, Dora continues her advocacy through the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program, a tutoring program focused on improving literacy among young students. "I think Experience Corps is a great program,” she states. “I like to teach them about reading. But not only that - I like to teach them confidence, because part of fluency is that if you understand words, and you can read, you gain confidence.” Dora laughs, “The kids look at me and go “I'm actually pretty smart!”

Her personal experience as an immigrant who learned English as a second language informs her approach. She highlights the challenges immigrant children face, such as understanding everyday words not used at home. "Once they know what the words mean, they read with excitement."

Dora's journey reflects a balance between cultural expectations and personal aspirations. "In the Chinese culture, we think ‘family first’. But I realized, especially after the pandemic, that I needed to prioritize myself for once."

Dora Liang’s experience growing up in a Chinese family and working with younger Asian kids has given her unique insights into the Asian American experience. She highlighted a common misconception: the perception of Asian Americans as inherently shy or reserved. “I think Asians sometimes don't speak out because culturally, we’re told not to,” Dora says. However, this should not be mistaken for a lack of opinion or strength. She taught her children, particularly her daughters, to have a voice and learn how to be what she calls “respectfully argumentative” Dora says, “I think women, especially Asian women, should learn how to have a voice and express themselves with confidence.”

As an older adult and an active member of her community, Dora offers valuable advice on aging and finding purpose. “You’ve got to learn to like yourself.” She believes that the key to a happy and fulfilling life, especially in later years, is preparing oneself early on by being comfortable with and appreciating oneself. This self-awareness and acceptance provide a strong foundation for a contented life, regardless of circumstances.

Dora’s approach to retirement involves engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose. “Before you retire” she emphasized, “you should really think about ‘what do you want to do that will make you wake up in the morning?’” For her, volunteering at MFS AARP Foundation Experience Corps and being a docent at the Lan Su Chinese Garden are fulfilling roles that provide a sense of purpose and opportunities for social interaction.

When discussing the broader American society, Dora expressed a desire for a more community-oriented mindset. She observed that while Asian families often emphasize close-knit family ties, they can be somewhat insular, primarily socializing within their immediate community. She encourages Asians to broaden their social circles and engage more with non-Asians, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Conversely, she noted that non-Asian Americans could benefit from adopting some aspects of the Asian approach to family and community. She observed that of non-Asian Americans: “They often have big hearts for other people, but not their own family sometimes,” harboring resentment and unresolved conflicts. Dora’s philosophy of letting go of anger, and accepting people as they are, can be a valuable lesson in fostering healthier family dynamics.

Dora Liang’s insights and experiences offer valuable lessons on the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and community engagement. Her perspective encourages a balanced approach to life, blending cultural values with personal growth and community involvement. Through her work and personal philosophy, she continues to inspire those around her to live fulfilling and purposeful lives.

For those interested in meeting Dora and experiencing her culinary talents, she runs a stand called Eat Simply by Dora at the Shemanski Park Farmers Market every Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM until the end of October. Additionally, she leads tours at the Lan Su Chinese Garden, where her passion for Chinese history and culture shines through. To learn more about our literacy mentorship program for older adults, and to find out how you can volunteer, visit MFS AARP Foundation Experience Corps.

AANHPI Heritage Month Resources

Older Americans Month Resources

Matt Harra
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