Kimberley is a driven, mature,first-generation Chinese immigrant. Forced by circumstance, she must lead two simultaneous, often-juxtaposing lives: the first as a brilliant young student, and the second as a hardworking sweatshop employee. Raised by her single mother, who speaks little to no English, Kim learns to care for herselfand her mother as the two navigate life in New York City. She makes her way through both public and private school, learning English along the way. With her gifts for math and science, she manages to gain admittance to Yale, and goes on to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.

As she ages, Kim becomes involved with two very different boys: Matt Wu, a fellow Chinese immigrant who works alongside her at the factory, and Curt, a trust-funder who attends the same private school as Kim. Just as Kim is torn between her schoolwork and factory work, she becomes torn between her romantic love for Matt and her physical love for Curt. With Matt, she could experience an emotionally fulfilling, though likely monetarily devoid, life, while with Curt (or on her own), she would miss out on emotional fulfillment, but have the freedom to pursue her ambitions. Ultimately, Kim decides to stay true to herself and follow her dreams of pulling herself and her mother out of poverty though her education and subsequent employment as a doctor.