Dislikes:
Olives and tomatoes; hot and humid weather; negative vibesFavorite SEARAC memory:
During LAT, I was feeling really nervous about my legislative visit. I took on a large role, which was leading the conversation with Ian, who works with my representative, Jim Costa. While preparing, I felt safe and comfortable because I was uplifted, seen, and heard by the SEARAC staff, my facilitator UyenMy, my group members, and my fellow LAT participants. I spoke up about me battling and overcoming my acne disease and mental health problems and how my community, my family, and I struggle navigating the health and mental health care system. I will never forget that moment when we walked out of that office, and I kept smiling because I was so so proud. We did it. I did it. I felt so powerful and accomplished. I thought to myself, “Wow if I could do this, I could do anything.” It was honestly the best feeling in the world. I was glad that I was able to be myself and show up to represent Merced, the Central Valley in California, the Southeast Asian American community as a whole, my Hmong community, my family, and myself. It was truly remarkable knowing that I had everyone by the side standing next to me and that I wasn’t alone. I am so thankful for my group members: Mai Ka, Tony, Vina, Katrina, and UyenMy, who constantly encouraged and inspired me. I want to reiterate how nervous I was, but I was prepared and so ready to share my story and advocate for change and that is what I did. Thank you SEARAC for giving me the opportunity to grow and become a better leader for my community.