Although I’m technically Eurasian, I was born in Vietnam, grew up in various parts of Asia and identify strongly with my Asian roots. Being raised for the most part overseas until I was 13 years old, I learned to really appreciate my mother’s Asian culture, but, more importantly, I learned to see the world from a different perspective growing up in a third world country (now known as a developing country). I was exposed to things that most people only get to see through the cinematography of film. Although my Dad was an American, we lived “off base,” which meant that although we lived in a relatively nice neighborhood, if you walked two blocks to the right and jumped over the 20 foot cement wall, you were literally in the barrio. If you have never seen a barrio, watch Slum Dog Millionaire for a very accurate illustration of what a third world country barrio looks like, but you will fortunately be spared from the pungent smells.

Coming to mainland America at 13 years old, I remember being blown away by two things specifically; 1) it was January in Washington DC, so it was really cold and 2) the grocery stores had an unbelievable amount of “options,” something I was not accustomed to.

I grew up watching my mom struggle trying to take care of her aging parents stranded in Vietnam; sending supplies, vitamins and money to the extent possible. The availability, access and, again, options, for good healthcare were scarce and limited, at best. Here, options and access are like the grocery stores I marveled at when I was 13 years old...unlimited.

I think that’s one thing we really take for granted in America; the access, the availability and the options we have. America is not perfect by any means, but coming from someone who has lived and been in many other parts of the world, it’s got its perks.

That said, I’ll be forever grateful to my parents for giving me this perspective and allowing me to see the world through a “different” world view.