My mom was an immigrant when she came to the United States at a young age. She fled from Vietnam to Southern California to start a new life. My mother already knew a bit of English in high school so as she continued her education in the United States, she was far more advance than other Vietnamese students in her class. During her college career, she became pregnant with my sister and I. A strong woman she is, she continued her education while having a big belly.

 Fast forward to many years later with three kids, my mom and dad split, causing my mom to take care of my sister, my brother, and I. She struggled to give us everything and made sure we continued our education. An entrepreneur, my mom ran her own furniture company and used her business skills she gained from college. My mom was selfless and caring; she worked so hard so we did not have to work. My mom is my role model because without her hard work, we would not be where we are right now.

 We recently went back to Vietnam for a visit, and it was eye opening to show how my mom used to live and how she suffered and sacrificed so much for her children. The trip was more about reliving the culture and experiencing new journeys in Vietnam. I learned about the culture and realized how different it was to America. I received this rice hats lined up from small to big. It goes out to my mom for being able to reach to the top of the hats. To me, it represents the different level of achievements my mom was able to endure.

– Pookei Li

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant