Sandy Dang shares her story of fleeing war-torn Vietnam and living in refugee camps, building a successful nonprofit, and being appointed by President Obama. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit.
One thing that stood out was how she used her experiences to help other refugees and at-risk youth. She turned her challenges into opportunities to make a difference. She shares about public narrative storytelling, a leadership skill she teaches to help people use their authentic stories to inspire and motivate others. It’s all about connecting with people on a deeper level and creating positive change.
Life in Vietnam and Fleeing the Vietnam War
Sandy’s early life in Hanoi was marked by scarcity and the shadow of the Vietnam War. Food was limited, and daily life was a struggle. In 1978, her family was forced to flee and return to rural China. Her family included her, at the age of 10, being the oldest of three, and her parents.
The family boarded a small fishing boat, risking their lives to cross the ocean. Sandy recalls the terrifying experience of almost dying at sea. Against all odds, they reached a refugee camp in Hong Kong. For three years, the family lived in six different camps, enduring harsh conditions and lacking formal education.
When Sandy and her family arrived in Hong Kong, there were already so many other refugees there. They converted warehouses into shelters, filling them with bunk beds to accommodate the thousands seeking refuge. Sandy’s family of six shared two bunk beds. All their belongings had to fit within that small space.
Arriving in the United States as a Vietnam War Refugee
In 1981, the Mormon Church sponsored Sandy and her family to come to Salt Lake City, Utah. At the age of 13, she was entering an entirely new world. Arriving just before Halloween, Sandy experienced her first major culture shock. The sight of people dressed as ghosts and skeleton costumes, going door-to-door to ask for candy, seemed unusual.
Her younger cousins were excited to participate in trick-or-treating, but Sandy was not. She found the tradition strange. Her cousin helped her improvise a costume by wearing a bathrobe, and she shyly followed her cousin. This first encounter with American culture was both bewildering and amusing, marking the beginning of her adaptation to a new way of life.
Returning to Vietnam
As an adult, Sandy decided to return to Vietnam. A deep longing for her homeland and a desire to reconnect with her roots drove the decision. The first visit was filled with nervousness and uncertainty. She was unsure how she would be received and how she would feel returning after so many years.
Sandy shares that as the plane touched down, her heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Visiting her cousins after nearly 15 years was an emotional experience. Initially, her cousins didn’t recognize her. After explaining her family history, they welcomed her back with warmth and affection. The visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of family, culture, and the enduring connection to one’s homeland. She shares that she missed the food, the language, and the way of life. Sandy felt like she was soaking it all in, remembering what she had to adapt from when she moved to the U.S. She missed the street food, the flowers, and the smell of the lotus flowers.
Giving Back to Refugees
Sandy’s non-profit organization focuses on helping refugee children overcome poverty through education. The organization offers a range of programs, including after-school tutoring, mentoring, family support services, and leadership training. These programs provide comprehensive support, helping students succeed academically and develop essential life skills.
Under Sandy’s leadership, the organization has evolved from a small, grassroots initiative into a well-established community resource, boasting an annual budget of $1.7 million. Thousands of students graduated from high school and went on to attend prestigious universities. This success demonstrated the impact of Sandy’s vision and dedication to empowering refugee communities.
Which brought her an invitation to the White House.
Appointment by President Obama
In recognition of her leadership and commitment to the Vietnamese community, President Barack Obama appointed Sandy to the Vietnam Education Foundation. This independent government agency aimed to reconcile the wounds of the war and advance science and technology in Vietnam. Sandy felt honored to be a part of this effort.
Her role on the foundation allowed her to connect with the next generation of Vietnamese leaders. She shared her experiences. As Executive Director, Sandy led the foundation in its mission to support education and foster collaboration between the United States and Vietnam. This appointment was a testament to her dedication to serving her community and bridging cultural divides.
Watch Now
Listen to Sandy’s incredible story from Vietnam war refugee camps to storytelling powerhouse on The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast.
With Love, Heidy
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