By Van Lan Truong, Emerge California Class of 2013
The year 2013 is certainly another major milestone in my life, after having left Vietnam and resettled in the US in 1975. As I look back at my life’s journey, being a part of Emerge has been nothing but wonderful- as one of my girlfriends has commented “Girrrl, you have come a long way!” Yes, indeed I have, both physically and mentally; Physically, I have lived in many major cities in the U.S. and really appreciated what life experience has brought me wherever I lived such as having served the communities in many aspects of social change and social justice. Mentally, I have “evolved” (as Oprah Winfrey often said) tremendously from being an innocent young woman to a seasoned community advocate. I am at a place where I am more at ease with the idea that someday soon I will take the next step in serving the community- by running for office. More than ever, I have come to truly value the people and friends who have supported me professionally and personally and who have added so much knowledge, skills, power, and beauty to my life’s journey.
Indeed, I have traveled many community serving roads that led me to Emerge in California, to an incredible group of strong & talented women of Emerge who have been, are, and will be powerful agents of change for our community. I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of this amazing circle of friends and how they will forever help shape my life.