Growing Up In Vietnamese Schools

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Being born to a Vietnamese family and being surrounded by Vietnamese friends, means that one of our etiquette is reverence. As a child growing up my mother and father would always tell me, “Ơn thầy như cha, ơn cô như mẹ” a popular phrase used in Vietnamese schools. The meaning behind it is quite interesting. If I were to translate this phrase it will turn out to be “Thanks teachers like parents”. In other words, a teacher teaches you like a parent would teach their child. Respect them like you do to your parents. They would often add: “Appreciate what you have and respect yourself and the people around you! Not only people who are older but people younger than you as well. You can’t act rashly towards people.” They taught me to be humble and …show more content…

Every Sunday, we would get a lesson on reverence. However, growing up in an American dominating community I see that it’s not the case for others. I would see people disrespecting their bodies, friends, teachers, and parents. As I look at the real world, I try to spread positivity to people (no matter the age) rather than being disrespectful. For example, during my Vietnam trip, a young couple walked into Gong Cha and ordered two milk teas. As I waited, I saw the couples making fun of the cashier for saying “Xin Chào” in an ecstatic tone. She looked down when they made fun remarks at her. Even though I should’ve come in and talk to them, I went to the lady first. I acted cheerful and gave her compliments. It cheered her up right away. Being respectful for one another isn't hard. From that day on, I saw how giving a small compliment can make someones day. The words and actions that I portray tells if I am respectful or not. To me being respectful is not just listening to people, not talking back, or not talking bad about people, but helping others when they need the aid. For instance, I recently had an opportunity to assist a new Vietnamese student that knew minimal

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