I was raised to never forget my place.
 
Where home was hearing the sounds of chopsticks clicking against ceramic bowls
And the soft melody of Vietnamese songs filtered above our heads.

I was raised to never forget my goals.
That hearing questions about your day
To where you'll see yourself in the future,
Wasn't something to stress over but,
That everything was going to be okay.
 

I was raised to celebrate festivities where firecrackers were lit at midnight
And tea was served until the very crack of dawn.  
Where Chinese New Year was a celebration
Filled with the giggles from cousins sprinting to receive red envelopes,
To the energy and admiration of the Dragon Dance.
 

I was raised to never forget my heritage;
Where you were taught to respect your elders,
And listen to their wise words,
Because you were going to need it in the end.
That you can never be too old to listen to folklore about dragons and fairies. 
And, that someday, you'll find your prince, in the end of a long strenuous journey.
 

I was raised to appreciate the women in my life.
From hearing the soft, melodic sounds of her laughter echo through my bedroom door,
to hearing her words of encouragement that, "Everything will be alright,"
I've been told that mom knows best.
 

I was raised that music was an important part of my life,
Where songs about being homesick and despair can cause
Your fast paced sprints change to a slow steady walk
With a feeling of nostalgia, because of your longing for your summers in Vietnam.

Where being open minded people wasn't a crime,
and that sharing your feelings
Until you wear your heart upon your sleeves with guidance,
Is better than hiding behind a mask with no direction.

I was raised to never forget my place;
Where we celebrate with red and golden decorations;
Where family will be always be there with you until the end;
And where you were taught to be able to be true to yourself.