“In 1975, an influx of Southeast Asians has to flee violence and/or persecution from their homeland in search of safety aboard and a chance for future endeavors. They were accepted in the United States with many expected and unexpected roadblocks ahead. They had to resettle and readjusted to their new home, and additionally, accepted and blend both culture and society together. They lived in impoverished neighborhoods throughout the U.S., but humble and gracious for their opportunity.
They were like any other Americans, surrounded by gang violence, racial tension, poor school systems, and the rapid of drug usage and addiction. They were uneducated, unprepared, and had a hard time with language barriers. They weather the storm and worked hard in silence, embrace the moment, took charge and chances because they were happy to be alive and making $2.10 as minimum wage.”
- Iesarha Sam Lovan (LO-VANH), 31, IA
“My grandparents and parents were one of those stories. As a first generation American of Laotian and Vietnamese heritage, I’ve lived it and seen it firsthand of how hard the elders put forth effort and investment towards the next generation and the generation after that. They had to endure many adversities.”
- Iesarha Sam Lovan (LO-VANH), 31, IA
“I wanted to share my story not for clout, but to encourage the next generation to preserve family and cultural traditions. To do bigger and better things than the last generation. If you set your mind, heart, and spirit to do anything in this world, all is possible by oneself.”
“If you had asked me 15 years ago where would I be today, I would have told you dead or in the penitentiary. Guess, you could say I’m no saint by any means, but I’ve never played the victim or the race card. I took accountability and responsibility for my past mistakes and my actions. 2009 was my turning point, my grandfather’s death changed me for the better. It made me realize that life is so precious and so short, and you have to take advancing of every moment breathing.”
- Iesarha Sam Lovan (LO-VANH), 31, IA
His last conversation with me was wishful and reasonable. He asked me to be well-rounded and educated, to love and keep my family intact, and to follow my heart and my vision. My grandfather was the humblest and gracious person I’ve ever encounter. His last advice was to slay the naysayers with silence and success.”
“I have completed my Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 2017. Previously, I worked in the Social Work – Juvenile Division before entering Law Enforcement as a career. Today, I am a Police Officer with certification in the states of Minnesota (MN) and Iowa (IA). I am trained and certified as a School Resource Officer, Gang Identification and Interdiction. Lastly, I am an adjunct professor that teach blend courses of on-line and face-to-face classroom. All glory and honor go to my family and God.”
