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Ve Nguon's Exclusive Scoop To let our campers get to know anh Bao-Ky a little bit better, we've requested a short exclusive interview with anh Bao-Ky Hello anh Bao-Ky, why did you accept Ve Nguon's invitation as a speaker at Ve Nguon Camp 2002? As you know, I've had the privilege of participating in VeNguon since its founding. Not only has it been a great place to meet new friends, especially of the opposite sex, but it has been a time to reflect on our own identity and to learn of new ways to help our community. I believe the people who organize VeNguon and the people who attend VeNguon have one thing in common: they really want to make our Vietnamese community better and better. What VeNguon also allows us to do is to learn the art of working with many people from different backgrounds to achieve a common goal. Under a Communist regime such as that in Vietnam today, there is no tolerance for differences: Catholic priests, Buddhist monks, writers, lawyers, scientists, etc. are all being persecuted merely by asking for free expression. Here in the United States, if you have something to say, you have the right to say it! With your current title, what are your current goals/plan? In my role as Commissioner of the President's Advisory Commission, I have a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the needs and concerns of the Asian-American Community and working with the communities to meet those needs. We have been going around the country to hear from community organizations, business representatives, health care providers, etc. about their local communities. After listening to all the needs and concerns, what's next? Marriage. Actually, in the next fiscal year, starting October 1, 2002, we will be working to publish a report to present to the President detailing our findings as well as suggestions on policy. Regarding Vietnamese community in general, how do see us in 5 years from now? As for our Vietnamese-American community, we've progressed tremendously in the past 25 years. However, we can not rest on our laurels. If we are not prepared to meet the challenges in the future, we will fall behind. And for those of us who are lucky enough to have a decent job or a good education, especially our young generation, it is especially important that we become more involved, so that we can give a helping hand to those in need. I am very honored to be included along with people such as Viet Dinh, Mina Nguyen, etc. However, I don't view myself as any more special than anybody else. I do think that what is special is that this country allows an average person to achieve good things if they put their mind to it. Furthermore, our Vietnamese-American community is at that point of achieving great things right now. What is your favorite pastime? I love to talk about pastimes because I don't get to do much of it anymore. I love sports, such as basketball, golfing, skiing. Also, although I haven't been able to for fun, I like to travel. I want to take some time off to go back to Australia, where our family used to live. Lately, there's been no time for international travel:) In my main career as an investment analyst, it's been a rough period and so I may need to start a new career! Your words of wisdom to Ve Nguon campers? I'll leave our campers some of my favorite quotes: A society grows great whose men (and women) plant trees they know they'll never sit under. Don't shrink from your failures. Grow from them. Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission (Eleanor Roosevelt) Are you .... still single? Yes! :) Thank you anh Bao-Ky for taking the time to answer our questions. We'll see you at camp! |
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