Embracing Identity: A Vietnamese-American Writer’s Journey

Kaylee Nguyen, a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, reflects on her complex relationship with her Vietnamese heritage in a candid piece published on October 27, 2025. While she acknowledges her Vietnamese identity, she explores the struggles of belonging and cultural acceptance that have shaped her experience as a Vietnamese-American.

Nguyen describes her upbringing in Pensacola, Florida, a predominantly white area in the Deep South. Despite the presence of Vietnamese families in her community, she felt disconnected, attributing this to her parents’ reluctance to engage in local social events. “I never learned how to properly say ‘hello’ to people in Vietnamese without feeling like I was performing,” she writes, revealing the internal conflict she faced growing up.

The sense of alienation extended beyond her immediate family. Nguyen recalls her childhood experiences where she faced judgment from both peers and elders regarding her cultural authenticity. “The elders who whispered about how dark my skin got in the summer, the kids who made fun of how I couldn’t read Vietnamese,” she reflects, emphasizing how these interactions contributed to her feelings of inadequacy.

Nguyen’s narrative addresses the struggle to balance her American upbringing with her Vietnamese roots. “I was too liberal for the South, too dark or too light to be considered the ‘right kind’ of Asian and too American to be the right kind of Vietnamese,” she states. This internal battle continued into her college years, where she found herself at Johns Hopkins, surrounded by distinct cultural groups that did not fully embrace her identity.

In her exploration of identity, Nguyen highlights moments that evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing. Visits to Vietnamese restaurants elicit emotions that catch her off guard, as she grapples with the desire for connection and the guilt that accompanies it. The dichotomy of her experiences often leaves her feeling like an outsider in both communities.

Despite her struggles, Nguyen expresses a desire to embrace her cultural heritage. She acknowledges her pride in speaking a second language and values the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture, including its rich history and humor. “I want to be proud that I speak a second language. I want to be proud of the food, the history, the way Vietnamese people carry humor through grief like a lifeline,” she affirms.

The fear of misunderstanding and alienation often deters her from sharing her experiences. Nguyen worries that her perspective may be perceived as ungrateful by both Vietnamese and American audiences. “I’m scared that they’ll think I’m ungrateful, that the American ones will feel like I’ve turned my back on opportunity,” she explains. This fear compounds her reluctance to write about her Vietnamese identity, as she navigates the complexities of her dual heritage.

Nguyen concludes her reflection by acknowledging her ongoing journey towards self-acceptance. “I’m still learning what that means, how to hold pride and love myself,” she writes. Her story resonates with those grappling with similar cultural identities, as she articulates the universal struggle for belonging.

As a News & Features Editor for The News-Letter, Nguyen hopes her journey will foster connections with others facing similar challenges. Her desire to share her story underscores the importance of embracing one’s identity and the courage it takes to confront ingrained biases. In a world where cultural narratives often clash, Nguyen’s reflections serve as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.