TEEN BLOG: Growing Up American, Being Vietnamese

As a relatively recent immigrant group, most Vietnamese Americans are either first- or second-generation Americans. They have the lowest distribution of people with more than one race among the major Asian American groups. As many as one million people who are five years and older speak Vietnamese at home—making it the seventh-most spoken language in the United States. As refugees, Vietnamese Americans have some of the highest rates of naturalization. In 2000, 44% of foreign-born Vietnamese are American citizens, the highest rate among all Asian groups. New home sales have taken the first upward turn in months. New home sales and housing starts have both increased in the last month, and the evidence suggests that it isn't just the typical post winter bump. More people are responding to the drastic drop in prices, and getting personal loans to obtain a new home or first home. Economists are pointing to a rebound of demand since the supply has dramatically increased, and prices subsequently dropped to far more competitive levels. The forecast of gloom and doom hasn't subsided completely, but stock market and new home sales rebounds indicate that we might be almost out of the woods.

Why do you have to Choose. You have the mean to be best of both words. You can still be polite, gentle , respectful but also stand up for yourself too, in a more polite way. Don't try to change yourself. Look at yourself in the mirrow, you still see a beautiful, exotic asian girl everyday and you can't change that. I came to US when I was young and got adopted by an American cpl. At one time I tried to be America, but like you I never really fit in, I will alway look difference then all my friend. In college, I learned that I can be difference and people still like me and they want to be my friend too, I have many quality that they actuallly want to know me.. After college I get involved more with the Vietnamese community, I end up married to my current wife ( she is Vietnamese). I use my American culture and and my Vietnamese culture to get myself in the business word, I am very financial comfortable now day because I am difference and I can speak both languages, eventhough my English is getting real bad. Now day 80% of my daily usage is Vietnamese. I now own 3 business. a Real Estate , Insurance, Tax and just start a new business that is helping other Vietnamese to send gifts and flowers to Vietnam www.123goiqua.com or www.vnnconnect.com . My advice, just be yourself and you would be happy. Don't forget your Vietnamese or start to get back learning it. I promise you will make lots of money later on.