For my father, what I witnessed with my own eyes on my first trip to Vietnam provided a sense of normalcy for him. Growing up in an economically challenged, underprivileged country means bearing witness to the effect and impacts of poverty on a daily basis. This in turn over time allowed him to become desensitized towards the poor. This is one of many disconnects between my father and I. My father’s immigration story is something I treasure greatly because it is a window into better understanding the struggles my father endured and the sacrifices he made so that I could be where I am today. I chose to title this story “In Plain Sight” because immigration and migration stories are something that is carried around with everyone whether it 's directly or indirectly. It 's not until you ask and takes the time to listen do you uncover the stories that are ingrained in each individual.
In 1963, as the Viet Cong closed in on the southern capital of Saigon during the Vietnam War, my grandpa knew a complete communist takeover was inevitable. He tried so desperately to escape the shackles and oppression of …show more content…
At first adapting to the new environment and learning to survive was made especially difficult when your heart longs to be in another place. Before long, using the English he studied so hard to learn he managed to make the most of his situation. Working as a translator in a refugee camp meant he was able to generate income and used it to try and further his education. He recalls the willingness to help and the generosity of those in the camp as unbelievable. He says, “it 's funny to see how those with the least are so readily able to share what that have yet, the wealthy have to think twice”. He also talked about how a sense of community and belonging stemmed out of this desire to help see each other succeed. Although his stay was temporary, the friendships and relationships that formed were life
In 1963, as the Viet Cong closed in on the southern capital of Saigon during the Vietnam War, my grandpa knew a complete communist takeover was inevitable. He tried so desperately to escape the shackles and oppression of …show more content…
At first adapting to the new environment and learning to survive was made especially difficult when your heart longs to be in another place. Before long, using the English he studied so hard to learn he managed to make the most of his situation. Working as a translator in a refugee camp meant he was able to generate income and used it to try and further his education. He recalls the willingness to help and the generosity of those in the camp as unbelievable. He says, “it 's funny to see how those with the least are so readily able to share what that have yet, the wealthy have to think twice”. He also talked about how a sense of community and belonging stemmed out of this desire to help see each other succeed. Although his stay was temporary, the friendships and relationships that formed were life