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Ailani

8/18/2020

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Picture
Ailani, Teens
USA
she/her
Current Role: 
I'm about to be a sophomore in high school.

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with? 
Cambodian, Malaysian, Asian American.

When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born?
I was born in Everett, Washington. My parents immigrated to the United States over (at least) twenty years ago.

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander?
Since I'm Asian, most people expect me to be smart and give my 100% at everything I do. It doesn't help that I wear glasses (because it's stereotyped for smart people to wear them). I am a little smart, but it still bugs me. I feel like many have high expectations for me, which makes me scared to do literally anything I'm not above average at. I believe that if I'm not good at something, I'll be made fun of. I know I shouldn't, but that has stuck with me my whole life.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
It sounds silly, but one of my proudest accomplishments is making my friends feel happier. I don't like it when any of them are feeling down, so sometimes I try to hang out with them.

What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up?
I don't have to worry about whether there's food on the table or not (I take this for granted sometimes). My parents are hard-working people.

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
No, I wasn't taught it well. However, I understand some non-English words from my parent's language: Khmer. 

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
I have two pieces of advice. The first one is to avoid making decisions based on emotions (A really good friend of mine taught me this). Try to separate your feelings from the situation before doing anything. If you're having trouble with this, think about what to do later. Overthinking makes things worse.

The second one is to have more empathy and be kinder to others. It may feel hard to show kindness, but it's important to know what others have or are going through. If you can, put yourself in other people's shoes. A little kindness can keep someone going.

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
The little things. I feel like that's stupid to say. Having dreams (the sleeping type), making an effort to get in touch with the 5 senses (to be there in the moment), watching movies with friends, finishing a project and being proud of the result... These sort of things drive me forward.

If you would like to share your voice as a person of color, please read the directions and fill out this form here. All ages, backgrounds, and generations welcome. Thank you!
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    Who are we?
    Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander voices in our communities. ​​ 
    Our Why
    This is a section for AAPI specifically because, coming from our Khmer culture, we often feel invisible in various spaces from school to the media. 

    We want to show the ways in which we are the same and different, and that all of our backgrounds and experiences are valuable to learn and celebrate. Let's uplift each other! 
    Want to share your voice?
    To be featured, read the directions and fill out this form. All ages, backgrounds, and generations welcome.
    Our Names
    Ailani
    Aimi Shukri
    Alicia
    Amira Noeuv
    ​Annalise Ko
    Arielle Dortch
    ​Ashley Alday
    Asia Wesley
    Brandy (CambodianCream)
    Brittanee Okamura
    Bunthay Cheam
    Cathy N.
    Chanira Reang-Sperry
    Charles Calvino Hang
    Chans
    Chloe Choe
    Christy
    Daniella Thach
    Danielle Bopha Khleang
    David Choi
    David Vo
    Emma S. Buchanan
    Eric Damey
    Firda Amalia Herryanddhy
    Grace Bora Kim
    ​Hao Taing
    Hunny Hach
    Huy Hoang
    Iran Thongdy
    JLouie
    Jessica Nguon
    Jerome Damey
    Jennifer Yi
    Jenny Nave
    Justin Cardona (JCool)
    ​Kaitlin Kamalei Brandon
    Kalyann
    Kandy Robertson
    Khmer Ninjas
    ​Kimi Kaneshina
    Kris Henderson
    Kristen Lê
    Krystal M. Chuon
    Lisha B.
    Lina (Spring Roll Fever)
    Mandy Kwan
    Maria Abad
    Marina Por
    Mario Pilapil
    Marites Perez
    Mark Juaton
    ​Maryann Samreth
    ​Mei Mei Long

    Melissa Khoeum Barnett
    Michael Huang
    Michael Nguyen
    Mully Chea
    ​Mylo Lam
    Nathanie Lee
    Neng Om

    Niza Oun-Nguyen
    Nolita Noeuv
    Note K. Suwanchote
    Piny Ly

    Pothmolita Dou
    Randy Kim
    Rose Khun
    Rotha
    Sam Hing

    Sam "Smushipig" Javier
    Samedy Khun

    Samrach Sar, Esq.
    Sandra Chhuon
    ​Sasha Buz

    ចាប សាត Sath Chap
    Sokha Danh
    ​Stephanie Ung
    Sumit Karn
    ​Thay PichMony
    Valerie Hoang
    Vivian Huang

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  • Home
  • Blog
    • Diverse Resources
    • Khmer Culture, Language & Recipes
    • Leadership, Learning & Growth
    • Lifestyle
    • People of Color Businesses, Influencers, Events & Activism
  • Features
    • Asian Pacific Islander (API)
    • Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
  • Podcast
  • Meet the Team
    • About Mellissa
    • About Jasmine
    • Community Support
    • Business Inquiries
    • Contact Info