Meet Monique
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I’m proud to be a Vietnamese Asian American. Our families play a crucial role in shaping our values and identity, helping me become the person I am today.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
We have many customs and traditions that are practiced during Tet (Lunar New Year). I get to wear my Vietnamese traditional dress “ao dai”, it symbolizes luck and prosperity. I go to the temple at midnight for a blessing, visit immediate family on the first day of the new year (Xong nha), exchange New Year’s greetings that focus on health, prosperity, wealth, and security, and give out lucky money (li xi) to parents, siblings, and children.
Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced you or helped guide you?
My mom is my mentor; her unconditional love and caring for the family inspired me to become the person I am today.
What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
One of the things that bring me joy is the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, especially through food. Eating together is a great way to bond and a chance to share each other’s stories.
What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?
Being able to adapt to a multicultural environment while remaining true to my roots as a Vietnamese is the biggest aspect of my heritage that made me who I am today.