Afrik Digest is proud to announce its participation in Ambassador64, a monthly storytelling initiative launched in partnership with Rocky Mountain Public Media (RMPM) and the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange (CEME). This groundbreaking collaboration reflects our shared commitment to co-creating a Colorado where every individual, regardless of origin, background, or zip code, feels seen, heard, and valued.

Rooted in the belief that empathy builds bridges, Ambassador64 highlights personal reflections from community members spanning all 64 counties of our state. These essays are sourced directly from local voices through RMPM’s community ambassador program, bringing first-person narratives to the forefront of public dialogue. Though distinct from traditional newsroom reporting, these stories offer authentic glimpses into everyday life in Colorado, from struggles to triumphs, cultural pride to civic engagement.

As a founding member of the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange, Afrik Digest is honored to uplift these diverse perspectives. By sharing these experiences with our readers, we deepen our collective understanding, foster cross-cultural connections, and affirm that every story matters.

Stay tuned for the first installment of Ambassador64, and join us as we continue to celebrate Colorado’s vibrant, resilient communities. We’re starting the series with a piece written by one of our team members, JJ Caric, who relocated to Grand Junction 2.5 years ago for a job with us and found so much more…

To learn more about all of RMPM’s brands and content, check them out at: https://www.rmpbs.org/about.

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Notes from The Western Slope- By JJ Caric

I was born in May of 1997 in a rural town in Southern China. Time unknown, weight unknown. Length unknown and the first fifteen months of life- also unknown. In August of 1998, I was adopted by Italian and German parents from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My parents were and are the best parents that could’ve adopted me. I found support in every corner of my life growing up.

However, a timeline of my childhood, teen years, and still sometimes in my adulthood is the resistance and refusal to acknowledge my Chinese background. Jokes were made to my friends that I was 100% Italian and 0% Asian. Arguments were had between my mom and me about not wanting to go to Chinese dance class and instead go to cheerleading, or gymnastics, or any other activities like all the other girls my age attended.

Growing up, I also only surrounded myself and became friends with white kids, thinking that was popular, mainstream, accepted, and beautiful. Not accepting my natural hair, I dyed it blonde from the age of 13 until this past year, when I was 28. During this time of life, I also resisted and hated living in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh wasn’t a “real” city… I was destined for Los Angeles or New York City, which were the only cities where I applied to college. I ended up going to New York for my first year. Maybe it was the movies I watched as a kid, but ever since I was little, New York was like a fever dream. It was exciting, fast, entertaining, glamorous, and full of energy. Quite honestly, up until recently, the past three or four years, I think I was chasing what everyone else considered beautiful or “the dream.” It’s glorified on social media, magazines, and celebrity culture to look a certain way and live a certain lifestyle.

Little did I know that two and a half years ago, my impulse decision to accept a job and move to Grand Junction, Colorado, would have everlasting and profound positive effects on the way I see myself and the world. To have a chance at happiness in Colorado, I decided to say yes to everything. Mountain biking, climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, you name it.

I also decided to make friends with anyone and everyone I had a connection with. My first Asian friend was someone I met in my first week in Grand Junction. She’s still one of my closest friends today, and funny enough, she’s in New York now getting her Master’s.

My time so far in this beautiful Rocky Mountain state has been beautiful, messy, confusing, and peaceful, and it has made me discover and meet myself for what seems like the very first time. Who knew, I do enjoy camping and skiing, and large city crowds actually give me anxiety. Who knew, I felt the most comfortable in my skin for the first time, so I decided to change my hair back to black. My Colorado journey is not over yet, but so far, my time on the Western Slope has been transformative in the most budding and blossoming way.

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We Want to Hear from You:

We’re inviting community members across the state to share their own stories of living in

Colorado —of identity, discovery, and what it means to belong. Tell us about a moment or a place in Colorado that changed how you see yourself or your community. Share your reflections at: ambassador64@rmpbs.org

This is part of Ambassador64, our statewide listening initiative to ensure public media reflects the voices of all 64 counties in Colorado—starting with yours.