There have been plenty of opportunities to lose the essence of “being Vietnamese”, but through the journeys the “best thing” somehow persists…..

Name:

Jason Minh Alt

History:

Arrived in the West as an orphan from the Vietnam War. Current occupation – Diversity Education Coordinator. Also an Asian American writer and author of Jay’s Say, an inter-country adoption related column.

On Being Vietnamese:

The best thing about being Vietnamese is when you acutely and passionately realize what it “means” to be of Vietnamese descent. As an overseas Vietnamese who also happens to be adopted, there have been plenty of opportunities to lose the essence of “being Vietnamese”, but through the journeys the “best thing” somehow persists….

The best thing about being Vietnamese is knowing the history of our origins, be it the folklore involving the Dragon and the Fairy, or the resistance to foreign colonialism and imperialism. The best thing about being Vietnamese is incorporating the cultural values of honor, loyalty, resilience, and humility into our own identities. The best thing about being Vietnamese is in the fabric of our communities… the hard work that defines us, the optimism that guides us, the focus that inspires us….

The best thing about being Vietnamese is being Vietnamese…. humbly, truly, and consistently….