Starting a New Life in an Exotic Land
My parents, like some of the Vietnamese immigrants in America, traveled far and wide on a boat to find a better life for themselves and their children. They also immigrated to escape the treacherous life they had back home. When communism took over after the war ended, Vietnam was in ruins. People were scared for their well-being, their families, and their future. As my mom briefly told me her extensive immigration story, I was in awe. I had a deeper admiration for her and for all of the immigrants that fled from the time of the war. I could never imagine myself in her shoes and experiencing what she did.
As she explained her childhood, she told me that she and her family lived a comfortable life before the communists took over. Even though she was born while the war was taking place and was constantly on-the-run, she was still able to make the most out of the tragedies that she experienced. She was the second youngest of eight children that all went to school. Her parents had good jobs and they lived happily until the communists ruled in April of 1975.
Soon after, both parents lost their jobs and they were never given enough food to feed their large family. They were constantly hungry and rarely had enough money for clothes, utilities nor necessities. They were sick of living in this condition and searched for a way to escape this lifestyle.
It was a constant trial and error attempting to leave Vietnam. That is, until their third time. They finally succeeded and left their entire lives back home.
They spent four unpredictable nights stranded on the boat and lacked food and water. Nights were cold, waves continuously shook the boat, and there was a constant fear of uncertainty.
Luckily, they were found and rescued by a military ship that happened to pass by in the area. They were all taken to Singapore where they lived for approximately 6 months until they were able to take a flight to America.
My mom obtained her citizenship 7 years after she came to America. In the meantime, she learned the English language, went to school, and earned her bachelor's.
Beginning a new life in an alien country must’ve been beyond difficult. Often times, I reflect back to my family’s origin and their immigration story which reminds me that I am fortunate to be born a Vietnamese-American.
