#TBT to UNAVSA-12: Tonga Nguyen

Dear attendees,

I would like to share with all of you my experience of a very special, joyful long weekend in Seattle. Throughout my stay at the conference, I felt belonged, comfortable, relaxed, happy. I have had tremendous fun and created close relationships with several of you, with whom I continue to keep in touch. I hope to see you all again in the near future.

Frankly, when I accepted the invitation to come to UNAVSA-12 Conference, I had no idea what it entailed. In fact, I had anticipated a lot of down time during these four days, since my workshop was only an hour long. However, I was determined to keep myself occupied and stay out of DC’s hair, because I know how responsible my son is about his duty. With that in mind, I started planning some self entertaining activities–maybe I’ll hang out with DC’s old classmates; maybe I’ll wander around the airport and look at all these gigantic airplanes landing and taking off and go totally deaf in the process; or maybe I’ll take DC’s car and go sight seeing on my own. God know’s, I might get lost all over the place and end up in Vancouver, which is just fine with me, since I always want to go to Canada anyways.

However, to my pleasant surprise, I soon realized that I had no time to carry out any of my escape plans at the Conference because I was busy doing something much better and more meaningful–like attending a variety of presentations and workshops, having soul searching talks, engaging in random conversations, and taking pictures with so many energetic, delightful young people! I was hugely impressed with UNAVSA management for successfully organized and coordinated an extraordinary event that attracted hundreds of attendees and several talented, inspiring speakers and presenters. And I am especially touched by your philanthropic intent to help the less fortunate. You guys might play hard, but you work hard, and you certainly give harder!

I think the Conference activities were exciting, fun and meaningful in their own ways. The gala was extremely entertaining and glorified by the presence of hundreds of handsome, dapper young men and beautiful, gorgeous young ladies! Honestly, I’ve never been surrounded by so many splendid looking people–all in one place!

On the last day when we all sat on the floor in the big conference room, I looked around me at hundreds of faces of hard-working, aspiring, talented, kindhearted young people. Then I looked at the front of the blue T-shirts that you all were wearing; and the first word I saw was Mom. When I realized I was the only mom in the room, among hundreds of kids, I suddenly thought of a fairy tale about an old woman who lives in a shoe with hundreds of her children. Such thoughts made me felt tremendous affection for you all and I wish I had hundreds of hands to reach out and touch every one, and hundreds of arms to hug you all.

In closing, I would like to say I’m extremely proud of and impressed with you for who you are and what you do. I want to thank you all for your support and affection, which simply go beyond words! I also would like to acknowledge the following persons, in random order, who have touched my heart or enhanced my stay in so many wonderful ways.

Phuc Phan: My patient coordinator, who is always pleasant and professional– even when I was slacking off on meeting Conference dead line. Thank you for everything!

Warren Mui: A good, gracious leader who knows when to lead and when to learn. Thank you for sharing your inner thoughts with all of us at closing ceremony.

Nancy Le: My lovely self designated caretaker, who always tries to make sure I am comfortable and enjoying myself. You’re a beautiful young woman inside out *>:D< big hug

Giang Nguyen: Deferential, soft-spoken, sweet disposition. Your parents must be so proud of you!

Kimbit: My little roommate who introduced me to the world of spoken word performance. You do have a flair for the art. Good luck in the entertainment business!

Mitchell Nguyen: Every time I wear the LSU T-shirt you gave me, I think of your cheerful personality and laser beam smile*:D big grin

Huy Duong: The “Man of Mystery” you’re a generous, talented person. I truly believe you will be able to fulfill both your personal and philanthropic desires. I’m still waiting to not only meet your challenge, but also raise the stake!

Jason Nguyen: Awesome academic and musical skills!

Verlinda Vu and Henry Huy Doan: Naturally fun and funny. What a fantastic pair of emcees!*=D> applause

DC Nguyen: Without whom I would never have had this fantastic experience. Your love, trust and respect for Mom surpass time and space! I am very proud of you and love you with all my heart.

James Timperley: Old Hollywood handsome is still alive and well!

Timmy Vo: Your invitation and assistance have made this post possible.

Minh Do: Good luck with your recovery and medical research. Keep me posted on both of your progress.

Thuy Ann Nguyen: My NRP listening cohort. I hugely enjoyed our chat about family and random stuff.

Katherine Duong: What beautiful doe eyes you have! Love the cute outfit you wore at the gala!

Daniel Huynh: I hope things will work out for the better.

Anna Nguyen: Thanks for the selfie we took together at the airport. So glad you got a fly home at the last minute–with self confidence and perks!