Lao children’s author writes the immigrant experience

On Oct. 21, the education department hosted an author talk with Lao American writer, playwright, poet and community activist Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay to discuss her first children’s book, “When Everything Was Everything”.

More than 40 students, along with four education department faculty attended to listen and speak with Vongsay to gain insights into the experiences of southeast Asian refugees and immigrants.

During the event, Vongsay recalls growing up not seeing many book characters that look like her or stories that are similar to hers.

She explains that her motivation for turning her writing, originally a poem, into a children’s book was because she wanted to allow other children, especially children of immigrant and refugee parents, to see that they are not alone and that their experiences and stories matter.

Saymoukda Vongsay describes a time when she felt small because a teacher had asked her to shorten her name to “Say” for the convenience of the teacher and her classmates.

Her family’s experience as Lao immigrants surviving the Secret War and being refugees influenced her to not only be resilient but also to continually strive for her dreams despite challenges.

Being a Hmong immigrant myself of refugee parents who escaped war and genocide after the Vietnam War and the Secret War in 1975, one thing I found so striking, but not surprising, is the similarities between Vongsays story and my own.

I remember my first time coming to Minnesota and being greeted by the thousand city lights glowing like a night sky of fireflies coming from the busy downtown of St. Paul. I remember being called “Mai” because “See” should be a middle name in the US.

Nonetheless, immigrants like myself thrived because our family found a place to call home.

Vongsay’s book is not only a mirror for many immigrant children but also a window for all students to learn from and build connections with.

When asked if she would include translations of the Lao used in her book into English, Vongsay affirmed and validated immigrant students’ identity and experiences by telling her own story authentically.

There is no default language, and the languages children of immigrants learn are part of their authentic experiences. While discussing, attendees giggled and laughed about Vongsay’s bowl haircut she got when she was younger as illustrated in the book.

One attendee mentioned how her family used to also use cassette tapes as mentioned in the book to communicate between families near and far.

“When Everything Was Everything” showcases how books that reflect and bridge gaps between different people can bring people together.

Vongsay’s story is one that highlights the voices of refugees and immigrants and her book will stay on our bookshelves for a long time.

“For a long time, I felt like a forever transplant here…now I am claiming space. I claim space in so many ways…I take up space with…my full name and I love it.” Vongsays said.