For the first decade of her life, Illinois State University sophomore geology major Ruby Garey had no idea that somewhere in the world she had a sibling. It wasn’t until summer 2022 that Garey, 19, met Angelina Clark, her biological sister.
Garey was born in Duchang in the Jiangxi province of China. She was adopted at 10 months old by her family in the United States. Though she knew where she was born, Garey said she didn’t know much about her cultural heritage or background.
In 2019, Garey registered for DNA testing to learn more about her genetics and heritage. What she didn’t expect to find was someone else who shared 50% of her DNA—a biological younger sister.
Clark had also taken a DNA test to learn more about her genetics and biological makeup.
“My dad saw that I had a biological sister that was matched on the same service, which was very unexpected,” said Clark.
The DNA testing website had a messenger feature that allowed Clark and her father to message Garey’s account, which was run by her mother. Garey and Clark first connected on Instagram and eventually talked on the phone.
“It was really weird hearing someone that sounded so much like me and seeing someone that looks a lot like me,” said Clark.
Garey and Clark, and their families, decided to meet up. Following delays caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, they finally met in person over the summer at Niagara Falls, New York, a middle-point for the families. Garey is from Rockford and Clark lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“I just remember meeting her for the first time, I was really nervous because I didn’t know what to expect,” said Garey.
Similarly, Clark said, “It was very exciting. I was nervous on the car ride.”
When Garey and Clark finally met, the sisters noted that they were both wearing similar outfits and Clark said, “There were times that we had the same look on our face, or we would say things in a similar tone.”
The pair said they have similar facial features, allergies, poor eyesight, and a shared love for music.
“Growing up, we were both very involved in music which is interesting because we both grew up in two completely different environments, but we both had a passion and talent for music,” said Clark.
“I’m really thankful that my parents wanted to immerse me in this situation and spend the time and money to have me meet my sister,” Garey said.
The two had an overall “great experience” and look forward to getting together again in the future. They’re considering plans for a potential family cruise.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what else there is for me and Ruby to learn,” said Clark. She noted that the two have talked about their shared desire to visit China someday to learn more about their heritage and potentially locate relatives.
Garey, who is a member of the Asian Pacific American Coalition at Illinois State, said she is embracing the opportunity to learn more about her cultural heritage by connecting with her biological sister.
“It’s surprising and heartfelt at the same time,” Garey said.
