Personal Narrative: Vietnamese Student Association

Joining organizations at school are a very common subject to be conversed around college, even before college. There will be constant rambles from advisors and other upper-classmen to join clubs and organizations as a first-year student in college. Throughout college, this type of concern is everyone generally informed of. Even through all the important reminders and advices that students receive from others, there are still many students who are refusing to execute the first step toward joining an organization due to lack of motivation, knowledge, or courage. However, VSA, otherwise known as Vietnamese Student Association, is not just any typical organization on campus, it’s a family.

I first discovered VSA during my school days. Our high

My name is Kevin Chau. Nice to meet you! And you are…” as he took my hands in his for a handshake. I introduced myself and pointed over to Christine as indication to whom I was with at the moment. He openly asked, “Are you interested in participating in VSA?” I nodded with brief hesitation. “You’ll love it! We strive to make our members welcome regardless of their background and conditions. You don’t even have to be Vietnamese to join our organization.” I was quite shocked at this daring approach, but at the same time, I was glad he made the first step to getting to know me. “If you’re interested in participating, we currently have a program known as A.C.E, also known as Anh Chi Em program, to help create and promote everlasting family bonds. We help our members establish connections with others that have the same common interest or goals through pairing you up with a big brother or big sister, otherwise known as Anh or Chi.” This really captured my attention as I was also the oldest child in my family and really hoped for a big brother or big sister. Everything Kevin said to me, I nodded as a gesture that I was listening and considering. It was not long before he had to leave to attend his other duties. He gave me a big hug as a bye before he left. He was like a big gust of wind. He came and went as quick as five minutes.

As I returned to Christine with her box of markers and color pencils, she was still laboriously working on her poster. As I looked at her, I asked her “Even when all the members here are as close as family, do you guys ever get into conflicts?” This question weighed on my mind sometimes now, as I believed that even the closest friends or families would get into