There’s a popular saying in Vietnamese, “đi thật xa để trở về,” which roughly translates as “go far to return.” This phrase captures the essence of stepping out of one’s “village”—one’s comfort zone—to explore, to grow, and to appreciate one’s roots, ultimately making a poignant return.

My journey to America has embodied this saying. Leaving the small Central Vietnamese town of Quảng Ngãi, where I grew up with my extended family, to study in the United States felt like uprooting my entire life. The initial excitement quickly gave way to culture shock. I missed the protective care of my family and the familiar sense of belonging. Suddenly, I was navigating a world where everything was unfamiliar—the language, the food, the American lifestyle, and the daunting responsibility that comes with independence.

Published via the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs at Georgetown University on May 21, 2024.