Jeffrey Lo

"In the history of the United States, the Oath of Allegiance has lead to American citizenship for over two hundred years, and today, you will become that part of that history." As Catherine approaches her naturalization ceremony, she finds herself immersed in reflections on her journey, her past, and her ever changing sense of national identity. The solemnity of reciting the Oath of Allegiance, a prerequisite for every naturalized American, resonates with her——that she does take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation, or purpose of evasion----she finds herself pausing at the final phrase, 'so help me God,' contemplating the weight of those words.

By Heart follows Catherine as she tries to figure out a way to hold on to her American roots and identity, after being brought to Taiwan due to her parents' separation, by resisting an indoctrinating Confucian text she has to memorize at school.