As a keynote speaker at the MAUVSA Conference, it was an exhilarating experience. The MAUVSA Conference is an annual conference for the Mid-Atlantic region of Vietnamese and Asian Student Associations of 20 universities with over 600 students in attendance. The auditorium was crowded with college students and was filled with conversations and laughter. The opening ceremony was loaded with excitement and enthusiasm. Students were cheering loudly with high spirits as their universities were recognized. Their energy was electrifying.
As I was preparing for my speech, I thought about who my audience was, young Vietnamese and Asian college students. I wanted it to be inspiring and impactful. Also, something that is interesting and challenging that they can emotionally connect to on a personal level. I decided to use my mother’s immigrant story that immigrants were resilient and powerful as it related to their own immigrant parents. I wanted to inspire these young people to tap into their full potential and was able to reach for what life has to offer.
When I stepped on the stage, they became quiet. They suddenly became serious and were paying close attention to what I was going to say. I could feel that they were eager to learn.
It was a thrilling experience to be surrounded by so many amazing young people. I hope that they will use their untapped potential to do great things in life and have their breakthrough in their future. I’m just so grateful for this opportunity to inspire the next generation, the future leaders of our nation.
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