Foundation Scholars Medallion
April 17/24 – Such an honour to be part of the grad ceremony for the Foundation Scholars at the Western Michigan University. I am so moved to know yet another graduating class is receiving medallions inscribed with my words of #hope #courage #grit #kindness #resilience.
Hearts of Freedom
April 20/24 – Feeling grateful to have made it to the Hearts of Freedom “Passage to Freedom” exhibit (created and curated by the amazing Dr. Stephanie P Stobbe) and film screening yesterday (organized by the equally amazing Dr. Tri Hoang). Such a moving & powerful documentary on our plight as Southeast Asian refugees over 40yrs ago, and how Canada and thousands of Canadian sponsors stepped up, with so much kindness, compassion, and generosity, to give us hope, opportunities, a new home, and a passage to freedom. It is hard to deny that us Vietnamese/Laotian/Cambodian refugees have become an integral part of the fabric of Canada because of our Canadian sponsors! So humbled to be in the company of so many prominent and highly revered members of the Edmonton Viets Association who’ve laid the foundation for the youths in our community and maintained a sense of community for us all. Also, feeling honoured that the stories of my dear Laotian refugee friend Milana Saysana Ward and sponsor Vicky&Phil Baril, and our family story are all included in this traveling exhibit across Canada. And a true honour to meet Mr. Mike Molloy, who was instrumental in starting the private sponsorship program in Canada to help us refugees.
