Charm Sok

Charm Sok, 40’s
Seattle, WA
she/her

Current Role: Full-Time Stay At Home Mom & Volunteer

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

Tell us about your family story.
My family and I came to the United States around 1983 or 1985... I was born as soon as my mom got to the safe camp in Khao-I-Dang.

Long story short, my dad led a handful of people to safety during the war, and my mom was about 8 and half months pregnant with me when they were running and escaping the Khmer Rouge. My older sister was sitting on our uncle's shoulders while they ran. I can't even imagine the fear - I was in my mom's belly. 

Fast forward to now, I have my own little family. We have 4 beautiful, gifted kids; our oldest is in heaven. 🙏🏼 

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian and Khmer?
Being Asian, some challenges are: Not being heard sometimes. Things get swept under the rug. High expectations. 

Our strength is our ability to love, understand, and accept one another. This is why we call each other brothers and sisters; we are all connected somehow. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My most proudest moment is definitely when I made a Christmas original with my daughters when they were 13 and 8. 💕🤗 

Reflecting on how you grew up, what did you learn or appreciate from your family?
Oh man, I learned so much, and there are no words that can express my gratitude and appreciation towards each and every one of them, especially my mom and dad.

My parents had a lot of cleaning jobs when me, my sister and my brothers were little. My dad was a pastor by day and a janitor by night. They taught me to love and respect everyone, no matter what title they hold. They taught me how to love and respect myself, and most importantly, they taught me how to be humble and kind. There are no words and no amount of money that could ever amount to their love. Period. I owe them my whole life. 

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
Sometimes, and sometimes both English and Khmer at the same time.

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
Get involved! Be more aware. Don't rush. Take your time. Date yourself first. Put yourself first. Sometimes do things for your family. It's okay if you fail - try again and learn from everything and everyone! You are not your mistake. You got this!

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
My children. ❤️

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
Mylin's Mission which is a nonprofit that I started in 2011, a year after Mylin passed away. Every winter, we collect warm items, dental care items, and hygiene items. Then, my kids and I make care packages, and hand them out to the homeless in time for the cold season. 

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!