To become influential in a world of incessant change, one must play a role in the changes made. As an engineer, I hope to make life-saving, world-changing improvements to the way we live our lives today. In hopes of accomplishing this goal, I plan to study engineering at Baylor University and later at Texas A & M University. Engineers design and help create every single aspect of our lives. Everything you touch, every button you push, an engineer was behind it. I want to be apart of something magnanimous and life-changing. I want to be an engineer. I want to help people live better lives. With the help of the Lao American Association and the support of family and teachers, dreams become more than a vision of the mind. They are a tangible reality.  

            My mother and father have been my fan club, support group and cheerleaders my whole life. They were behind everything I said, everything I did, everything I thought about doing. My parents have grounded me in the Lao traditions and taught me according to the high expectations of the Lao culture. As graduation inched closer and closer, my teacher shared some words of wisdom with the class. He told us that there are three things to always remember, one of which was to never forget where you come from, or else you won’t know where you’re going. As a Lao-American, I will embrace my culture and share it with others in college, after college, as an adult, and as a senior citizen. It is where I come from. It is who I am. But as I grow older, I see less and less of the traditions and expectations I grew up with. It makes me sad to think that our culture and traditions are eroding and may eventually become nonexistent. The younger Lao-American generation needs someone who can relate to them. They need someone to show them where they come from and to be proud of who they are. Before I graduated high school, I always thought that someone else had what it takes to be a role model for the younger generations, but today I am beginning to realize that all it takes is someone willing and able to help others. Why not me?

            While studying engineering fundamentals such as design and theory at a university, I plan on engineering something for my community. I intend on becoming more active in my community and help initiate efforts of educating future generations of Laotians about their heritage. I understand, now, the importance of knowing where you come from. After learning of the struggle my parents went through to come to America, I have become more appreciative and aware of all the opportunities my parents wanted when they were my age. I am taking full advantage of all the help before me, including my teachers and community, and I feel obligated to share this new found appreciation with other Lao-American students. I know they are aware of the possibilities, but maybe someone just needs to show them that the possibilities can become a reality for them, personally.

Where ever I go, I am a minority because the Laotian community is underrepresented. By establishing my status academically, I hope to bring inspiration and esteem to future Lao-American generations by showing them that dreams do come true, especially with the help and support of the Lao American Association. I believe I can make a difference.

A major financial investment is something to contemplate and discuss, because there are many chances of unsatisfying return. I assure you that your investment in my education is more than satisfying. It will give the Lao American Association a 300% return, because the money will not only go towards my future, but the future of the Lao generations.