Jadyn Nguyen

Aurora, CO

I was visiting my grandparents because that's what a good grandson does. 

My name is Jadyn Nguyen and my grandparents came to the US as refugees of the Vietnam War. My grandfather, Siphay, was born in Cambodia and my grandmother, Amphone, was born in Laos. My grandfather attended college and was an educator while he spent time in Laos. My grandmother grew up on a farm and would help her family by street vending. They've built comfortable lives here in the US. My eldest cousin recently gave birth, giving us three family generations here!

In 2022, my grandfather's health began declining. This greatly affected my grandmother because she loves him so dearly. At the time, after I finished talking with my grandparents one day, I went downstairs to get ready to leave. I noticed the kitchen trash bin was full, so I went to take it out. I didn't want to leave it for my grandparents to deal with on top of the stress behind my grandfather's health. As I walked towards the trash I realized, "Wait my grandparents literally escaped a war — why do I think they're weak? They raised three generations in the US; why do I think they're weak?" 

I sat there and reflected on my thoughts; then, I took out the trash. Even though my grandparents are older and maybe physically weaker, I admire their strength to leave their homes in Laos and rebuild lives in a completely new country.

Jadyn Nguyen is values-driven social media content creator who has worked with many organizations, including those who serve the AAPI communities in Colorado. Follow him on Instagram, and/or reach out at jadyndrpenkhay@gmail.com.

Jadyn Nguyen

Aurora, CO

I was visiting my grandparents because that's what a good grandson does. 

My name is Jadyn Nguyen and my grandparents came to the US as refugees of the Vietnam War. My grandfather, Siphay, was born in Cambodia and my grandmother, Amphone, was born in Laos. My grandfather attended college and was an educator while he spent time in Laos. My grandmother grew up on a farm and would help her family by street vending. They've built comfortable lives here in the US. My eldest cousin recently gave birth, giving us three family generations here!

In 2022, my grandfather's health began declining. This greatly affected my grandmother because she loves him so dearly. At the time, after I finished talking with my grandparents one day, I went downstairs to get ready to leave. I noticed the kitchen trash bin was full, so I went to take it out. I didn't want to leave it for my grandparents to deal with on top of the stress behind my grandfather's health. As I walked towards the trash I realized, "Wait my grandparents literally escaped a war — why do I think they're weak? They raised three generations in the US; why do I think they're weak?" 

I sat there and reflected on my thoughts; then, I took out the trash. Even though my grandparents are older and maybe physically weaker, I admire their strength to leave their homes in Laos and rebuild lives in a completely new country.

Jadyn Nguyen is values-driven social media content creator who has worked with many organizations, including those who serve the AAPI communities in Colorado. Follow him on Instagram, and/or reach out at jadyndrpenkhay@gmail.com.