Alicia N.

Alicia N., Teens
Keizer, Oregon
she/her

Current Role: Student

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with?
Khmer/Asian Community

When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born?
Father came to the U.S in the 70's due to the Khmer Rouge, went back to Cambodia, and married my mom who came in the late 90s/2000. They lived in Oregon and stayed here. Then, I was born.

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander?
Experiencing both American and Asian/Khmer cultures. Meeting people and having an instant bond or interests being Asian American. 

Challenges would be coming across people who are ignorant of your culture and mocking or stereotyping you is a disappointment, whether that stereotype is positive or negative.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I don’t think I can say yet for the 18 years I’ve been living. Maybe, graduating high school.

What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up?
I appreciate the selflessness and hard work my family offered to make my life easier than what they had experienced when they were younger.

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
Unfortunately no, because I never picked up the language for some reason. Going to school speaking English must’ve been a part of it. I don’t even remember speaking Khmer before going to school. At least I can understand a majority of it.

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
Stand up for what you think is wrong. One of the things that bothers me is how racism against Asians is so normalized. It’s easier said than done but it’s better to say something because all I did was holding anger in.

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
Music

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
I would like to share a Ted Talk called, "I Am Not Your Asian Stereotype" by Canwen Xu.
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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!