“Sometimes I was not always comfortable sharing my culture because I grew up in a predominately white neighborhood, and I felt that if I shared aspects of my culture then my friends would deem it as “not normal”. I would be judged. However ….”
-Angel Luangaphay, she/her, 16, NY
“As a Lao-American, something that I love about Lao culture that I have always felt comfortable sharing with my friends is Lao food.”
Photo: Lao Cucumber Salad with a side of vermicelli noodles, boiled eggs, and shrimp
“The main
reason why
I have always
felt comfortable sharing Lao food
with my friends was because of my mom. She always encouraged me to share my food and teach my friends
how to make it.”
“The first time I ever introduced Lao food to other people was in 4th grade when my class had a “culture day” and my mom made for me 50 egg rolls to share with my classmates.”
“All of the egg rolls were gone within twenty minutes and
I got so many compliments from my classmates and teachers. I remember being so proud of my culture and happy that my peers genuinely enjoyed my mom’s Lao cooking.”
“Since then, I’ve introduced so many more people to
Lao food and showed how amazing
it is, and that is something that I will always be happy to share with my friends.”
- Angel Luangaphay, 16, She, NY
