American Stew on Rice

How do you explain trick-or-treating to your grandmother if she's never heard of it? What's the slang expression for vomiting? Should a new student play a musical instrument in public after two weeks of lessons? There are many nuances to master when one moves to another country as a four-year-old in the early 1960's.

Growing up as a Filipino in Chicago during this era was exciting, challenging, and lonely at times. Is it better to fit in or resist being absorbed into the melting pot?