Hi! I created a video submission about my parents' immigration story from Vietnam and the impact they have on my beliefs about the world. I, Selene Ho, am forever indebted to my parents for all the opportunities and lessons my parents have given me and continue to give me. All photos belong to me. My greatest hope is to show my support back. Thank you for watching and listening to my story.

Wearing a red and black uniform, holding pom-poms in my hands, I was a cheerleader. Yet after two years of being on my school’s team, I was rejected from the JV squad. The obstacle of rejection was disheartening because the sport was more than showing school spirit. My teammates became my friends; stunting, cheering, and wearing uniforms filled me with a sense of belonging and motivation. I was determined to make the team roaster the following year. So throughout the cheerleading season I missed, I continued honing my tumbling skills. I registered for more classes and put more effort into my runs and rebounds. Slowly, my running back handspring turned into two back handsprings, then into a back tuck, and eventually, a back layout. I persisted through the hardship of rejection to grow confident in my ability to accomplish any goal I set my mind on. I was proud of myself for improving athletically and mentally, even though my former teammates and coaches did not follow my journey. My obstacle taught me that hard work does pay off, and as long as I try, I will find my success and confidence. Though personal matters stopped me from joining the cheer team the following year, the important part of overcoming my obstacle was the determination to improve my tumbling skills. Whenever I am challenged now, I remind myself of the success I worked hard to accomplish in my tumbling, and I realize that my diligence and effort can persist through anything.