05/26/2026
This Memorial Day weekend at the temple, I realized I speak more Khmer than I thought.
Growing up, I saw many people around me try to become more “American” — slowly losing the small, special connection of speaking Khmer with loved ones.
This year, I wanted to change that for myself.
In 2026, I made a promise to become a better role model for the yeay-yeays, ming-mings, and ouns at the temple by speaking Khmer more confidently and participating more in temple life.
So far, I’ve learned that reconnecting with your culture doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in small moments:
helping in the kitchen,
listening more carefully,
understanding a sentence you once couldn’t,
laughing with aunties,
and slowly feeling less shy to speak.
I’m still learning, but for the first time in a long time, I feel connected again.
