By: Sam Hernandez
FORT COLLINS, Colo. —As we sat on the floor of Corbett Hall’s D-wing, Colorado State freshman, Amanda Trinh talks about her life growing up a traditional Asian family.
The health and exercise major rushed one day for a sorority this fall but was later told she wasn’t allowed to join by her father. She explained that her father had some college experience but didn’t really know what Greek life involved. Trinh’s father asked his colleagues who had children in fraternities and sororities and most explained that their children’s grades were below average, which was the deciding factor for Trinh’s dad.
“For my Dad, it’s always about school, and school comes first for him,” said Trinh, “He thought it wasn’t a good use of my time.”
Trinh’s parents are Vietnamese but she was brought up in with more Chinese culture. She went on to explain that her home life before college was “more Chinese than American.” Every night before dinner the Trinh family would light incense and pray to the gods.
The Chinese New Year is especially important to the Trinh family. They prepare for the big day by cleaning the house and on New Year’s Day the family is not allowed to eat meat. The family then prays in different “stations” in the house.
Trinh’s grandparents do not speak English and most of her aunts and uncles only speak a little. Her grandparents had arranged marriages, and unfortunately only her dad’s side of the family was in the United States for her parents wedding, which was not arranged but was approved by both sides of the family. Trinh’s mother was the first of her family to relocate to the U.S.
“It’s different,” was Trinh’s response when I asked about her transition from her home life to college, “It’s hard to get used to.”
Before coming to CSU this fall, Trinh was not allowed to date or spend the night at friends’ houses. However she did still have a social life and would go to the movies with her friends, but on weekends her dad would call her to make sure she was home by 10 p.m.
College was eye opening to Trinh, she had never experienced drinking alcohol and within the first few weeks of college she could see the immense difference between the way she was brought up and “college life.”
Trinh speaks Cantonese, which is another form of a Chinese language. She explained the most common Chinese language is Mandarin. However, “I’ve lost so much of my heritage,” said Trinh. “I’ve lost [the language] a lot more growing up in an American society,” she stated.
Trinh displays a younger generation living by the older, more traditional lifestyle of her parents. Many young adults come to college and have to change their values somewhat, but for Trinh it was a lifestyle change, and she especially misses home cooked meals.
When I asked Trinh if she liked the transition from college she responded, “Yeah, I really do.” Trinh along with many other students bring a fresh perspective to CSU with distinct diversity. She respects her parent’s traditions and values but plans to live out a regular college lifestyle.
I like how you used the sorority conflict to show how she and her family don't necessarily agree on everything. It was an interesting story. One question I have is why was she raised with Chinese values if she is Vietnamese? One thing I might change would be I would talk to her family members, if possible to add some more depth to the story. Also, I didn't feel like the lead was relevant to the story.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a very interesting topic and i'm sure very relevant to many other international students lives. I liked the tone you portrayed in the interviews and you asked some good questions. Just proofread more because some of your sentences were a little awkward to read.
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