After watching that short video in class, it gave me the idea to write about how my father and mother came to the U.S. knowing no English what so ever.
I am the second generation of my people who have come here from Laos; and as far as I know there wasn't much of a education system at all over there. The only education were granted to only a few children, mostly boys, but to go to school meant leaving your family behind sometimes, because Hmong people did not have a school of their own so they sent their children to Thailand or a bigger city for education. My father was one of those fortunate enough to go to school, but when coming here his learning didn't help one bit. So my father went to school just to learn how to speak English before he went on to learn how to write and do simple math problem.
My parents both struggle through their life in America because finding a job here in the U.S. with knowing not much English, it is harder than most people could imagine. My mother did not learn English when she got here for she was taking care of her 3 young children and one on the way (that's me). Even to this day she does not know English; she is planning to learn English soon, now that all of her children are in school. Adjusting to a new environment and learning a new language is hard, because they had to forget what they know and learn new things they never knew.
I am truly grateful and I thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to be given the chance to grow up with an education in the U.S. I just wish that my people and people all over the world could get an education like I have. That is why after watching that short video in class it got me thinking just how amazing and important education is. If everyone in the world could receive an education just imagine what we as a world can achieve together!
Der, a few years ago I had the opportunity to work with the local HMMA on a project. I learned a great deal about Hmong culture and spoke to many refugees about their immigration experience. I am amazed at what so many Hmong went through to get here and I fully appreciate your comment about being grateful for your parents giving you the opportunity to grow up and get an education here in the states. Be patient with your parents as they try to learn to speak English, it is a difficult language to pick up as a second language.
ReplyDeleteover all i think it is a good blog. It all relates and it shows how that anyone of any culture can learn just by being out in a situation to fend for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think it is cool that you can bring a different culture to us in the class
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you're so grateful for your education & that you can fully appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately our parents did have a hard time. Most of our parents, throught determination, will learn English slowly. My father was fortunate to get the opportunity to go to school in Laos too. Since arriving here, his determination has pushed him to acheive more. He went to high school and started as a junior, college and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree. I can fully appreciate the education process here in America. Others, even if they really want to get an education, may not be able to because there is not that opportunity like here in America.
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