Zoë Reback’s Search for Her Roots

Zoë Reback, a 25-year-old from North Carolina, was adopted as a baby from Vietnam. Although she grew up in a loving household, questions about her origins persisted. As an adult, Zoë is starting to find some answers, though they may not be what she anticipated.

She was raised in a predominantly white suburb in New Jersey. Her parents provided a nurturing home and everything a child could need. Still, Zoë was acutely aware of her adoption. Her mother explained that Zoë had come from Vietnam, but this wasn’t everything. Few peers in her school shared her ethnicity.

During family vacations with a friend, Zoë often felt the guest fit in with her family more than she did. Some children made hurtful jokes about her appearance and background. They cruelly suggested her birth mother didn’t want her. Their words left a lasting impact.

Thoughts of her birth mother lingered, but Zoë rarely spoke about her. Her parents had four biological children much older than her, leaving by the time she turned 8. Amid her parents’ separation, asking about her adoption seemed inappropriate. The divorce was hard on Zoë. She matured quickly to cope and began therapy at age 6, diagnosed with depression and anxiety in middle school. She often felt different and isolated, but didn’t discuss her adoption much with her parents.

During the pandemic, Zoë discovered a file name with her information, revealing her birth mother’s name, Tran Thi My Trang. She felt a mix of surprise and dread. Her mother returned home before she could process it, so Zoë hid the file, not wanting to hurt her adoptive mom who had supported her throughout mental health struggles.

For six years, Zoë held on to her birth mother’s name, questioning where she might be. In April, visiting her mom, Zoë revisited the file, finding a police report with disturbing news. Her birth mother had used a false name when relinquishing her to authorities. This revelation brought sadness, as Zoë pondered her birth mother’s reasons and circumstances.

Despite the disappointment, it spurred a dialogue with her mom, who explained that false names were common in Vietnam in such circumstances. Though this revelation cast doubt on ever meeting her birth mother, Zoë remains hopeful. She ordered a DNA kit and awaits the results. Even if her birth mother doesn’t contact her, Zoë simply wants to know her origins. She appreciates the love from her adoptive parents but desires the truth about her past, holding on to hope for a genuine connection.