When I came to the US alone at the age of 15, I experienced severe financial hardship, language obstacles, and difficulty adjusting to Western and Eastern cultures as an international student. My first year was packed with activities that constantly reminded me of my Vietnamese roots, such as steamy bowls of pho and crunchy cold-cut banh mi. I became interested in learning more about my Vietnamese heritage after noticing the height disparities between American and Vietnamese cultures. My Vietnamese ancestry inspired me to pursue a career in child psychology and counselor education because I saw firsthand the profound effects of the Vietnam War on children, especially those impacted by Agent Orange. Motivated by this, I started an educational consulting business, aiming to serve Vietnamese international students and provide them with the necessary resources to thrive. My journey has been marked by the resilience of the bamboo tree, a national Vietnamese symbol of strength and flexibility. Given that 25,000 VND is equal to $1 USD, being an international student from Vietnam means that one must continuously worry about costs, even for something as little as a cup of coffee. In Vietnam, one US dollar could purchase a bowl of pho that included soft noodles, hot broth, and eye-round beef. Despite these financial difficulties, I am proud to be a Vietnamese student from a "small country" that is frequently seen as fortunate for having won the Vietnam War. Being Vietnamese and an international student pushes me to work harder every day. I spent six years, during my undergraduate and graduate studies, working full- and part-time at the University of Minnesota's International Students and Scholar Services, where I advocated for more than 1500+ Vietnamese and different national international students from more than 40+ different countries. I spent four years living alone in the US during COVID-19, missing up on family time to help new international students. I only see my parents every two or four years, and I treasure those little moments before returning to my rigorous academic schedule. To get good grades, I frequently stay late in the library and study more than domestic students. Though I embrace my mission to finish my degree, follow my ambition, and make my parents proud, I miss my family and our memories together. My schooling has been greatly influenced by my Vietnamese nationality and ancestry, which have given me a strong feeling of resiliency, drive, and ambition.