Viet Pride

by Tony Pham

VIET PRIDE. Just kidding, or am I?

Going into my first-ever work camp, I expected many things—scorching heat, endless sweating, and physical and mental exertion. With past work experience in construction, from sheetrocking to painting, I felt prepared for it all. What I didn’t anticipate was the profound impact it would have on my cultural identity and sense of pride.

Reflecting on my journey with Sunflower Mission, I realized something profound. Twenty-four years ago, during my first visit to Vietnam, a casual remark from my uncle’s friend stuck with me. When asked if I spoke Vietnamese, I replied no, hoping to avoid conversation. His response, "Vietnamese is the last language you need to know in this world," lingered in my mind. Unconsciously, I chose not to embrace my culture because of this experience. Even when choosing Spanish as my daughter’s second language, I told myself, "She doesn’t need to know Vietnamese."

But through my experience with Sunflower Mission, serving and helping in Vietnam, I came to a powerful realization. To truly connect and serve, I needed to deepen my understanding of the language and culture. This revelation dawned on me during a pivotal meeting I attended. Though I didn’t grasp every word, I sensed the intensity and purpose in the room, witnessing firsthand the dedication needed to run an organization like Sunflower Mission.

My second takeaway was a restored sense of pride in my Vietnamese heritage. It wasn’t just about the country itself but the diverse group of volunteers I worked alongside. They surprised and inspired me. Before this, I hadn’t fully appreciated the diversity within the Vietnamese community. From the humorous to the compassionate, each volunteer brought a unique flavor to our mission. Whether it was students sacrificing their summer break, supportive parents, or the meticulous organizers behind the scenes, everyone played a crucial role in our collective effort.

I am honored to say I am proud of everyone involved, from top to bottom. This experience has reignited my pride in being Vietnamese.