2 KHMERICAN SISTERS
  • Home
  • 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
  • Archive
    • Diverse Resources
    • Khmer Culture, Language & Recipes
    • Leadership, Learning & Growth
    • Lifestyle
    • PoC Visibility

Tanaka

7/15/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Tanaka, 20’s 
Riverside, CA
he/him
Current Role: Consultant

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

Tell us about your family story.
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. My parents were both born in Cambodia. My family arrived to the U.S in 1985 through a sponsored Christian group. Growing up, my parents both went to school and worked full-time while raising a family. 

What are the strengths and challenges of being Cambodian/Khmer-American?
For me, I think the Cambodian-American community is beginning to grow in terms of social and educational resources. In comparisons to other communities, I think there are a lot of commonalities. One big strength I admire about the Cambodian-American community is the strong sense in cultural preservation. 

One challenge I think we face is sharing our individual stories and being visible to those around us. Through trauma and experience, I think when we share those, we learn from them. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
One of my proudest accomplishments was starting the Khmer Student Association at the Ohio State University. One thing that I envision on a larger scale, is seeing Khmer-Americans rise and succeed through a purpose we all share. Seeing Khmer-Americans come together and collaborating with one another fills me with hope. 

Reflecting on how you grew up, what did you learn or appreciate from your family?
My motto in life is to always have “Grit & Gratitude." Growing up, I learned that through hard work, you can achieve all your aspirations. Through the practice of gratitude, you will learn the true meaning of happiness. 

As a child, I didn’t understand my placement in this world and shuffled around not really feeling like I belonged. However, through self-exploitation and through the practice of manifestation, I found that from within.

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
Occasionally - both my parents work in corporate positions and tend to speak more English than Khmer. But occasionally, we do speak more Khmer.  

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our communities?
One piece of advice that I have for the younger generation is to live the life as a lifelong learner and to be bold about their aspirations. Seize everyday as your opportunity to make an imprint of yourself to you and for those around you. 

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
My greatest joy in life is spending quality time with my loved ones. 

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!
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    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! 
    Our Names
    Ailani
    Aimi Shukri
    Alexis Callanta
    Alicia
    Amira Noeuv
    ​Annalise Ko
    ​
    April Lim
    Arielle Dortch
    ​Ashley Alday
    Asia Wesley
    Brandy (CambodianCream)
    Brittanee Okamura
    Bunthay Cheam
    Cathy N.
    Chanira Reang-Sperry
    Charles Calvino Hang
    Chans
    ​
    Charm Sok
    Chloe Choe
    Christy
    Daniella Thach
    Danielle Bopha Khleang
    David Choi
    David Vo
    ​Dorothy Chow
    Emma S. Buchanan
    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
    ​
    Molly Kong
    Mully Chea
    ​Mylo Lam
    Nathanie Lee
    Neng Om

    Niza Oun-Nguyen
    Nolita Noeuv
    Note K. Suwanchote
    ​PichMony Thay
    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
    Sorika Wolf
    Sotheara Jeffrey Lim
    ​Stephanie Ung
    Sumit Karn
    ​
    Tanaka
    Valerie Hoang
    Vivian Huang

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • 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
  • Archive
    • Diverse Resources
    • Khmer Culture, Language & Recipes
    • Leadership, Learning & Growth
    • Lifestyle
    • PoC Visibility