My Story
From a very early age, I knew without a doubt that the poverty and political unrest that surrounded me in Vietnam was not the life that I wanted for myself. So, at the age of 10 years old (yes, 10), I boarded a boat with 11 other people, and we made the long and very dangerous voyage to America.
Along the way, we were surrounded by pirates, tossing waves, and many fearful circumstances, eventually, our boat was rescued from the ocean, and I spent time in not just one, but two terrifying refugee camps, that finally brought me safely to the city of Buffalo.
That is where I would meet my forever Shaw family and beloved extended Celletti family. Overnight I went from being only Vietnamese to becoming a Vietnamese, Irish, and Italian preteen, who didn’t know the English language, recognize the food, or even know how to comfortably socialize or how adhere to the expectations of American middle school.
From day one, I was fiercely determined to conquer anything set before me. There were very few special resources or helpful suggestions at that time for refugees, but by the grace of God and with lots and lots of hard work, I was able to navigate the ups and downs and do the best that I could, soon finding myself graduating from high school and heading to college at Alfred State and Alfred University.
From there, I moved to Syracuse and began to build a beautiful family and successful career, but as I looked around my community, I was greatly saddened, as it was very apparent to me that not all newcomers had been able to find the same success and fulfillment that I had.
From that day forward, I totally immersed myself in the Asian community of Syracuse. Trying my best to lead by example and guide with intention, always sharing the wisdom, and lessons that I’ve learned along my own journey, fully recognizing that there are many needs to be addressed within our state and far beyond.
So, for the last twenty years, that is what I’ve done. Intentionally set aside days of my week to commit my time, energy, sometimes financial resources, and especially my voice, to help establish and continually build up the AAPI community of Syracuse. From serving on boards to starting weekly food pantries, and keeping CNY Blessing Boxes for refugees well stocked, trying to ensure that no one will ever go to bed hungry. Encouraging yearly festivals and parades to help create a healthy balance between hanging on to the best parts of the past (our heritage and traditions), but also walking expectantly into the future with both hands open, ready to investigate every avenue to help our community; stretch and learn and grow in every area.
Reminding our people how important it is to embrace new things and to continue to keep moving forward daily. I am so thankful that the passion that I have in my heart as a Vietnamese refugee who has happily made this wonderful country my home, is rapidly expanding throughout our community like wildfire and that others in our community are not only finding their way to live their best life but also, lending a hand to their brothers and sisters to help them do the same.
I sit on several boards, including the New Americans Forum, The United Way board of CNY, The Empire State Development Council board, and the NAACP to name a few. Within each of these boards, the members come together and plan and implement for the good of the community and to improve the lives of the people who live in them. These boards, coupled with everything that our wonderful Governor, Kathy Hochul, and our hard-working local and state are doing to make things easier, reachable, and more sustainable for our New American community, help to pave the way for brighter and better futures for ALL.
Making equity, inclusivity, and diversity a must, as well as continuing to provide new and better programs and helpful resources to build bridges and create firm foundations for each New American to build their own American dream upon. Sometimes pushing limits, and often broadening far beyond original hopes and expectations; many times, surpassing goals, and giving more and more opportunities from one generation to the next.
Encouraging working on self, but equally challenging everyone to help their neighbor and to continue pouring into and pairing with, the community at large; finding their own special “spot” and cultivating it with hard work and passion.
There is a Greek proverb that says.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they may never sit.”
Per half a modern date spin on that quote might be…
“Our community will continue to expand and grow successfully as each new American is accepted included and valued and given the resources to plant trees (of all sorts), some of whose shade they may never sit in; building and ensuring a lust green forest of possibilities for generations to come!”
Confidently realizing that as they continue to use the shade from each tree to cultivate the “gardens” of the future, and all of the programs and resources that will continue to build up the community at large; expanding borders, bringing health, happiness, and honor to ALL New Americans.
Reminding them of their value, and assuring them that they CAN achieve their goals, encouraging all to take hold of the future, to pursue their dreams, so all can sit confidently, comfortably, and peacefully at the American table that has a seat for everyone!
I am thankful for this great state of New York and for the leadership that continues to listen to and support wholeheartedly our AAPI community on every level. Remaining fluid to the needs that may arise and unchanging to the commitment to welcome and provide a place at the table for ALL who wish to call this beautiful land their home!
For further information or helpful resources on their New American journey, please contact [email protected] (315) 952-7429 – Tai Ngo Shaw, President of CNY Blessing Box