As a first-generation American, I grew up embracing my Vietnamese heritage while also adapting to American culture. My parents immigrated from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. They spoke little English and worked low-paying jobs to support our family. As a child, I spoke Vietnamese at home but English in school and with friends. I struggled to balance these two languages and cultures. But as I grew older, I came to appreciate how my background shaped me and gave me a unique perspective.
My parents taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and having gratitude for simple pleasures. They labored for many years in physical jobs and sacrificed much so that I would have opportunities they never did. I saw firsthand the determination and resiliency of immigrants. Their struggles and sacrifices have instilled in me a deep appreciation for all that I have been privileged to achieve. The Vietnamese language carried with it stories of homeland, family history and cultural wisdom my parents imparted to me. Though I speak English more fluently now, I know how to remain grounded through reconnecting with my native tongue.
As an American of Vietnamese heritage, I now see the richness that comes from cultural hybridity. I moved beyond seeing my diverse background as two conflicting parts to realizing how my multicultural identity grants me strengths like comfort with ambiguity, adaptability to new situations and an ability to build bridges across different communities. My story is part of the larger American narrative of immigrants forging new lives in a foreign land while holding fast to parts of their history and culture that nourish the human spirit. This duality now feels integrated within me, a living blend that continuously evolves. My linguistic and cultural roots, though humble, run deep - and for that, I am truly grateful.