Bich-Phuong Thi Nguyen

 
  Hi, My name is (Bic) Bich-Phuong Thi Nguyen. For those who don't know me, I'm a mix of Vietnamese and Indian. As you can see I don't come from a Latino background, yet I have participated in this Oral History Project. I am 17 years old and a junior at the Somerville High School. I came to this project from the board of directors at the Welcome Project. My main reason for participating was to have a better understanding of the Latino community as a whole. Even without a Latino background, I have many Latino friends, yet I don't know much about their people other then the basic historical facts presented in school.  

 

 
Bich with Emma Ramos' Baby

Bich & Jessica at St Benedict's Church

I did know, that like all immigrants, Latinos had to struggle to make a living and a new life here in a foreign country, yet I never knew all the troubles they went through; the hardships, time, money and effort invested into the creation of a new life. Yet with all the troubles they have gone through, their hardships still aren't over. Going to a new country and starting fresh isn't easy. There are many rules and laws which prevent them from getting access to the lives they want - yet despite all these obstacles thrown at them, the Latino community in Somerville has flourish.

Bich in front of The Welcome Project community center.

Every individual puts forth his or her best effort to create a new home, town, and community so they can call it their own. I have seen what holds this community together - they all share similar dreams and hope for themselves, and their families and friends. The powers are hope, dreams, and love ~ the three most powerful sources of energy to help anyone rise to the top. I love how they unite as one in their Sunday masses; how every family shows up to listen to the priest preach. Even if they didn't get along they would put aside their differences and unite together as a community.

After helping set up interviews and conducting them myself, I have learned that I really didn't know a lot about the Latino community in Somerville. I never really focused on them because they have always been there - I felt there was nothing special about this particular group of people - as if they were just like every other group. However, after this project I feel different about them. I don't know exactly what it is, but I don't feel like they are just my friends, neighbors, or just other human beings anymore. They are more then that - they are a part of my family and my community as well. I feel a strong connection - imaginary link - one single thread that links us all together. It's a great feeling. And I thank the people who made this project possible. From those that created it to those whom we interviewed. It was truly a great experience for me as an outsider - however after this project I don't feel like I am. Due to their acceptance of me I feel like I am one of them and I thank them for that. This project was a lot of fun and I learned a lot as well. Thank you everyone.