Interviewer: Natalia Fernández
Interview Date: July 31, 2015
Location: Portland, Oregon
Duration: 1:28:39
Nguyen begins the interview by describing her childhood, specifically the ordeals she and her family endured as part of the immigration process coming to the United States. She then describes her childhood experiences in Oregon including the racism she suffered, life in Halsey Square with other Vietnamese families, picking strawberries in the summers, the story behind her name change, and the closeness among the Vietnamese community. Nguyen explains that as a teenager she began interpreting of behalf of community members with doctors, lawyers, and at the courthouse.
She goes on to discuss her thoughts on serving her fellow community members and the importance of remembering where you come from, however she also shares her reasons for not returning to Vietnam. Nguyen explains that as a teenager, in addition to picking strawberries, she assisted her mother with her janitorial work. After graduating from high school Nguyen attended community college and worked for a lawyer. She mentions the 1980s gang problems that existed in the city and that for her personal safety, she moved to California and did not return to Oregon until 1989; she then carried on her work as a court interpreter.
Nguyen expresses her philosophy about her job which she considers her duty and a calling to give a voice to those who cannot speak. She describes her role and job duties as an Asian Family Center (AFC) Energy Assistant with the Anti-Poverty Program and how she is an advocate for her clients. Nguyen talks about the challenges to the position including the barriers community members face to using the services offered as well as how people attempt to abuse the system. She then reflects upon her work as a case manager and how immigrant services have changed and improved since the time her family immigrated to Oregon.
Nguyen concludes the interview by reflecting upon the importance of the AFC within the community and gives the analogy of how the organization teaches immigrants to walk, talk, and learn new things again as parents teach their children.
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She goes on to discuss her thoughts on serving her fellow community members and the importance of remembering where you come from, however she also shares her reasons for not returning to Vietnam. Nguyen explains that as a teenager, in addition to picking strawberries, she assisted her mother with her janitorial work. After graduating from high school Nguyen attended community college and worked for a lawyer. She mentions the 1980s gang problems that existed in the city and that for her personal safety, she moved to California and did not return to Oregon until 1989; she then carried on her work as a court interpreter.
Nguyen expresses her philosophy about her job which she considers her duty and a calling to give a voice to those who cannot speak. She describes her role and job duties as an Asian Family Center (AFC) Energy Assistant with the Anti-Poverty Program and how she is an advocate for her clients. Nguyen talks about the challenges to the position including the barriers community members face to using the services offered as well as how people attempt to abuse the system. She then reflects upon her work as a case manager and how immigrant services have changed and improved since the time her family immigrated to Oregon.
Nguyen concludes the interview by reflecting upon the importance of the AFC within the community and gives the analogy of how the organization teaches immigrants to walk, talk, and learn new things again as parents teach their children.