Alina Lam

My seeds are planted by Vietnamese refugees, but my roots are grown in the land of the free. Paradoxically not American enough in the states, but too American for my culture’s birthplace.

As Asian Americans, we are told that we are better, but never the best. Smarter, but never the smartest. These backhanded compliments have been put in place to divide us from our brothers and sisters, whilst simultaneously undermining us from our persecutors.

But we have sprouted our minds and have awoken from our slumber. I stand proud to to have my Vietnamese ideals instilled into me. I stand proud of my parents and recognize the adversity they underwent to provide this life for me. I stand proud of my mom’s broken English just as much as I am of my father’s college degree.

Asians will no longer be held to the same archaic standards placed upon us by our oppressors. Asian women will no longer be blacklisted from their pursuit towards achieving their highest potential.

Each stride towards Asian representation in each varying form creates a new standard of equity called for by society. Let us redefine the nature to which we rate our potential, our beliefs and our value. It’s time to water the flowers in order for them to blossom.

– ALINA LAM