Remembering the Refugee Officer; World Refugee Day

Before my 8th birthday, I had lived in more than 8 refugee camps…

I remember like it was yesterday. I was playing with rocks as if they were Barbie. A Refugee Officer was interviewing my parents. Few months later, we received the amazing new that the officer had granted us an opportunity to start our new lives in America! I was 8 years old when we arrived in the U.S. I didn’t know how to read or write. My life had changed.

“Refugees survive terrible ordeals: torture, upheaval, perilous journeys, and the loss of everything and everyone they knew. They flee violent conflict. They are persecuted because of their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, social group or political beliefs.”

Today is World Refugee Day; the world honors the courage and resilience of refugees as well as the dedication and generosity of those who help them. Happy#WorldRefugeeDay.

I am not supposed to be here…

I am not supposed to be here…

Since the day I was born in the middle of the jungle in between conflict war zone, I was told that I am not supposed to be here. Statistic has proven that if you were in the foster youth system and depended on the welfare program, growing up, that you are not supposed to be here. You are not even supposed to graduate from high school!

The day I came to America, I was already behind. At 8 years old, I didn’t know a word of English nor my parents. I had never experience any kind of formal education system. I learned the first system in America, which was “sink or swim.”

I was told in high school that I shouldn’t go to college, especially a UC system because of my limited in English. Instead, I took that full-ride to UC Santa Cruz and graduated with honor! That person might have been right, but taken three extra English classes and worked two jobs my freshmen year in college, allowed me to catch up with my fellow colleagues and was able to treat myself to Thai food once in awhile. In other words, don’t let anyone tell you that you are not worth it or that you can’t do something that you set your heart towards. Always know that anything is possible. It just matters of time, luck, and the right people who believe in you and will help you through your journey to get there.

The day of my graduation was the first time my parents had step foot on a college campus and visited me! I remembered mom and dad were so proud! It was like their dreams had come true too! Their eldest daughter graduated from college! Mom never had education and dad didn’t even finish high school because of the Vietnam War. I would say it was one of the biggest proud moments in my 20s!

I Am the Product of Globalization...

I am the product of Globalization… Made in Thailand (middle of the jungle in a refugee camp). Just like my little Peris car, where it engine is from Japan, my roots are from Cambodia and Vietnam. Just like my favorite purse, which is made in Central America; I worked, lived, traveled and gave back in Costa Rica and Panama. I love to wear my favorite boots that are made from Switzerland, which reminds me of the time I attended a United Nation meeting, while interned with the UNHCR in Geneva. When I put on my favorite shirt and/or pant, the tag said, “Made in Indonesian or Malaysia.” When I Skype with my grandmother, I remember the amazing time that we spent together in Cambodia and Vietnam. Last but not least, a place I call home and where I grew up is, America. The ironic thing is that I am currently living in America, yet I still drive my Peris, wear my shirt, pant, and boots that are made overseas, just like me! I am the product of globalization.