In the late sixties and early seventies, protests erupted against the Vietnam War because the unpopular war was killing young American soldiers; however, it was also killing Hmong men, who were organized and trained by the CIA. A secret war that left Hmong people stranded to defend themselves after the withdrawal of American forces. A secret war my grandfather participated in. As a result, my parents fled from the Communist Laotian soldiers to Thailand. Separated families escaped through the jungles where adults fed the crying children herbal drugs so they would remain quiet, and as a consequence, the children often suffered from mental disabilities. However, the Mekong River proved to be the most hazardous obstacle as a majority of people
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Along with my sister, I take care of our three other siblings, with the youngest being only two. However, I never complain; rather, I am in awe of the way that my parents work and sacrifice so my siblings and I can live a life without experiencing the pressure of being poor. Even though I am now more cognizant of my family’s financial state, my father would often scold me, “Money isn’t the issue, Kay. As long as we’re happy, then it’s going to be okay.” Throughout my life, my parents have constantly stressed the importance of education, ensuring that I attend the best school as possible. “ABCD,” my grandfather advised with his four fingers in the air and his broken English weighed with a heavy accent, “Achieve. Believe. Commit. Dream.”
Although a majority of Hmong Americans either marry young or earn a bachelor’s degree, I want to surpass these standards and set an appropriate example for younger generations to follow. My motivation emanates from my history, background, and family support. Therefore, I want to major in English and minor in Japanese and eventually earn a Ph.D. degree. I wish to be a future lawyer who serves to defend justice and promote peace. I want to make a difference and have a greater impact within my Hmong community and show them the opportunities that exist
Along with my sister, I take care of our three other siblings, with the youngest being only two. However, I never complain; rather, I am in awe of the way that my parents work and sacrifice so my siblings and I can live a life without experiencing the pressure of being poor. Even though I am now more cognizant of my family’s financial state, my father would often scold me, “Money isn’t the issue, Kay. As long as we’re happy, then it’s going to be okay.” Throughout my life, my parents have constantly stressed the importance of education, ensuring that I attend the best school as possible. “ABCD,” my grandfather advised with his four fingers in the air and his broken English weighed with a heavy accent, “Achieve. Believe. Commit. Dream.”
Although a majority of Hmong Americans either marry young or earn a bachelor’s degree, I want to surpass these standards and set an appropriate example for younger generations to follow. My motivation emanates from my history, background, and family support. Therefore, I want to major in English and minor in Japanese and eventually earn a Ph.D. degree. I wish to be a future lawyer who serves to defend justice and promote peace. I want to make a difference and have a greater impact within my Hmong community and show them the opportunities that exist