For Adult Third Culture Kid (TCK) Vicky Nguyen, her parents’ grit and resilience in leaving Vietnam as refugees and settling in the United States are what helped her become a successful television host and author.
“I think the ability to go from being a boat baby refugee to broadcast journalist on NBC News in one generation is something that exemplifies what it means to grow up in America,” she says in a Gold House interview about her upcoming book “Boat Baby: A Memoir.”
GROWING UP IN A BICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
Growing up in a bicultural environment shaped much of Nguyen’s perspective. When asked how her Vietnamese heritage influenced her identity as she navigated life in the United States, she says she’s “grateful” for that upbringing.
“It was tough to be different and to move to a new school every year between Kindergarten and 5th grade, but it helped me learn how to adapt, make friends across a lot of groups, and get comfortable with the only thing in life that you can count on: change,” she says.
Nguyen’s parents leaned on her and trusted her to interpret and be the expert on all things U.S., which gave her the room to grow and be independent “and figure out the tough stuff,” she says.
“I looked different; I ate different food; I had parents who didn’t know all the customs of being an American kid like sleepovers, dating in middle school, talking about feelings,” Nguyen adds. “But they did the best they could with what they had, and ultimately, that was the foundation for my confidence navigating the ups-and-downs of life.”
It was tough to be different and to move to a new school every year between Kindergarten and 5th grade, but it helped me learn how to adapt, make friends across a lot of groups, and get comfortable with the only thing in life that you can count on: change.
‘NEVER LEADING WITH IDENTITY’
Nguyen says her parents gave her the “blessing of never leading with identity. You can be proud of your heritage and culture but it’s not something you should fret about or blame when things don’t go your way. I’m sure being an Asian American woman has hurt me in my career and I’m certain it has helped me too. It is what it is.
“You can’t control your race, culture, gender etc.,” she continues. “But you do have agency over your work ethic, how you treat people, how you show up every day at school or work or in your family. My parents led by that example, and it has served me well.”
When asked how her immigrant experience influenced the way she approaches storytelling and journalism, Nguyen says when she’s reporting on any community, she lets her curiosity lead.
“I ask questions, I am open to receiving information, and if I don’t agree, I ask more questions to better understand,” she says. “My job is not to convince people of anything. It is to provide the best research and information and subject matter experts to tell a story that people can learn from to live their own best lives. I know my parents read and watched a lot of news to understand life in America, so it’s a great privilege and responsibility to have this job.”
“Boat Baby: A Memoir” is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
