This month, we celebrate Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month. It is to celebrate the culture, traditions, and history of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
No matter what your background is, I’m sure each one of us was brought up with history that defines our characters today. At Southwest Airlines, we are one big Family, with People from all different walks of life. My roots are traced back to Vietnam.
I don’t remember much about the Vietnam War, since I was born after the war had ended in 1975. My mom talked about it a lot when I was a kid, reminding me never to forget how far we have come from. My mom was the second oldest in a family of ten children. Around 1980s, some of my mom’s youngest siblings flee the country by boats and became refugees. Being stranded at sea for weeks, they were rescued by neighboring countries. Eventually they were brought to United States to start a brand new life. All my mom siblings were spread across the United States. Networking through Churches and the Asian American Community, they eventually got connected and ended up together in Texas. When my mom siblings obtained their full citizenship status, they sponsored the remaining family members, including me, to come to America in 1992.
No matter what your background is, I’m sure each one of us was brought up with history that defines our characters today. At Southwest Airlines, we are one big Family, with People from all different walks of life. My roots are traced back to Vietnam.
I don’t remember much about the Vietnam War, since I was born after the war had ended in 1975. My mom talked about it a lot when I was a kid, reminding me never to forget how far we have come from. My mom was the second oldest in a family of ten children. Around 1980s, some of my mom’s youngest siblings flee the country by boats and became refugees. Being stranded at sea for weeks, they were rescued by neighboring countries. Eventually they were brought to United States to start a brand new life. All my mom siblings were spread across the United States. Networking through Churches and the Asian American Community, they eventually got connected and ended up together in Texas. When my mom siblings obtained their full citizenship status, they sponsored the remaining family members, including me, to come to America in 1992.
I remembered we came over with little clothing, valuable items, and a suitcase of pictures from Vietnam. Even though I was little, I remember it was hard, especially for my dad, to say goodbye to those who we loved and left behind. My uncles, aunts, and my parents all just wanted their kids to have a better life—to have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
During Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I reflect how far my family has come from. I remember the sacrifices that many people have made, for me to be where I am today. I am very humble and grateful to be sitting here, working at Southwest Airlines, and to be able to share my story with my Southwest Airlines Family.
During Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I reflect how far my family has come from. I remember the sacrifices that many people have made, for me to be where I am today. I am very humble and grateful to be sitting here, working at Southwest Airlines, and to be able to share my story with my Southwest Airlines Family.