Southeast Asian American Essay Contest
Beyond Refugees: From Flight to Setting Roots

Contest Winners!

These essays were chosen from the essays submitted for SEARAC's gala celebration essay contest. This gala, on September 17, 2005, marks the 30th Anniversary of the beginning of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement to the United States and the 25th Anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, which set the stage for continuing U.S. leadership in refugee protection and assistance. Orignal essay submission criteria are provided below.

The Nature of Life
****WINNING ENTRY!****

Beyond Refugees: From Flight to Setting Roots
Awarded Honorable Mention.

My Parents' Journeys to Freedom
Awarded Honorable Mention.

Thirty Years Later: The Struggle Continues
Awarded Honorable Mention.

Essay Contest Submission Rules and Requirements

The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) seeks entries for an essay contest on the theme "Beyond Refugees: From Flight to Setting Roots." These essays are sought in preparation for SEARAC's gala celebration on September 17, 2005, to mark two important events:

• The 30th Anniversary of the beginning of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement to the United States
• The 25th Anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, which set the stage for continuing U.S. leadership in refugee protection and assistance.

Eligibility

Entries will be considered from people who are age 25 and younger, have heritage in Cambodia, Laos, and/or Vietnam, and now consider the United States their home.

Recognition

Successful authors will receive the following recognition:

1. Essays will be printed and distributed at SEARAC's gala celebration in Washington, DC, on September 17, 2005.
2. Essays will be posted on SEARAC's website: www.searac.org.
3. Authors will be provided with support for travel and lodging expenses to participate in the gala in Washington, DC.

Submission Requirements

• Essays should be from 500 to 2,000 words in length (roughly 2-8 pages long).
• Please provide entries in 12-point font, and double-space all text.
• The deadline for submission is July 23, 2005.
• All entries should be sent in electronic format to essay@searac.org

Questions

Please contact Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy at sychitph@gse.harvard.edu if you have questions.