Contents - About Us

My past was full of commotions, but I don’t regret it. I’ve
learned to accept myself to walk on my own path to
tranquilly. I’ve learned to accept what others have to
say about me and the only time I’m ever looking back is
when I narrate my story. -Bao Xiong
I’ve accepted that I love to eat and I
don’t care what people think.
- Kia Lor
Something I’ve learned to accept is the fact
that I am Hmong. For a long time I’ve fought
it but today it is a very impartment part of
who I am because I feel that it enhances my
experience as a person. It’s the extra-confidence
that I feel because I know I am not
standing only for me; I am standing for my
people. And it’s the extra-drive I have to go
the farthest I can go because I am not only
going of me, I am carrying a whole generation
on my shoulders. I am so proud to be
Hmong. -Mysee Chang
I’ve accept the challenges that
life brings of those we know of
and those we may not know of.
I’m ready for the challenges
and the new adventures.
- Ricki Vang
I have a lot of
scars from my
childhood and
from playing
basketball and
soccer. I have
come to accept
them because I’m
athletic.
- Pahnia Lee

This publication is made possible through Hmong American Partnership (HAP). HAP provides culturally appropriate social services to Hmong families in Minnesota,
such as: employment services and English language classes for adults, after school programs for children and youth, and counseling and support
programs for families. For more information please visit www.hmong.org.
Hmong American Partnership
Attn: HmoobTeen
1075 Arcade St.
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-495-9160
hmoobtm@hmong.org
www.hmong.org
HmoobTeen magazine
may not be reproduced.
Fall 2008
Acceptance & Rejection
Contents
Adult Role Model: Xiong Pao Lee
Page 10
Regulars
Editor Bios Page 2, 27
Editors’ Note Page 4
Letters to the Editors Page 4
Letter from the New Editor-in-Chief Page 5
Knowing Your Hmong: The Purpose of the Soccer Tournament Page 9
Adult Role Model: Xiong Pao Lee Page 10
Review: CHAT’s Arts & Music Festival Page 20
Theme: Acceptance and Rejection
Why Am I Constantly Being Compared to Others Page 12
Deforming Orthopedic Problem Page 13
My Very Special Sister Page 13
Reject 101 Page 14
Rejection Page 14
Accepting Yourself First Page 15
Acceptance Page 15
My Impetus Page 16
Rejecting the Real Me Page 17
To Be or Not to Be a Friend Page 18
Accepting Myself Page 19
Special Election Coverage
2008 Presdiential Candidates: The Vote is Yours Page 6, 9
Why You Should Vote! Page 7
Reads
8 Ways to Lose Someone Who Bugs the Living Out of You Page 8
HAP Scholarships for Hmong Students Page 17
What is an Eating Disorder Page 19
Poems
A Story of a Young Man Page 22
Summer of Lost Love Page 23
I Am Hmong Page 24
Untitled Page 24
Quiz
Are you an ACCEPTOR or a REJECTOR Page 25
Comics
Mai-Mai Page 26
Rock Stars Page 26
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 3

HmoobTeen
Editor’s Note:
There are many new changes occurring at HmoobTeen magazine. We are welcoming our
new editor-in-chief, Sai Vang and saying goodbye to Mee Xiong, Jonny Vang, and Youa
Vang. We will miss the three of them and their contributions to the magazine. A big thank
you shout out to United Way for their support!
There is also a bit of a change with Editor Lee “Yolei” Yang. As of the end of August, she has
been studying and living in South Korea! Look for articles from Yolei about her experiences
and stories living aboard. We are sure she will have exciting stories to share with everyone.
Email us to let us know what you would like to know about what it’s like to live aboard- especially
in South Korea, and Yolei will be able to answer some of those questions for you!
Acceptance and Rejection is a theme we’ve thought about for a long time. What do they
mean Why do we all go through life rejecting and accepting people or things But most
importantly, it is about accepting who we are as Hmong teens. Sometimes as a Hmong teen it
is difficult to accept who you are when there are no images or positive portrayals of Hmong
or even Asian Americans in the media. We all cope with it but this issue allows us all to hear
the stories about how we all come to deal with our acceptance of who we are and others.
We have also been out and about in the Minnesota community promoting our
magazine at various events. These have been wonderful opportunities for us
to meet and talk to our readers and supporters. We’ve enjoyed meeting
everyone and knowing that you are continuously supporting the voices of
Hmong teens nationwide! We will be at the Hmong Resource Fair in October
and hopefully, at the annual Hmong National Development conference in
Appleton, Wisconsin. We hope to see you there!
-The Editors
Letters to the Editors:
Hi HmoobTeen! If someone writes a poem will you pay them
- Yang Bee, Minnesota.
Yang Bee,
Thank you for being a faithful reader. We do pay for poems,
articles, and artwork published in our magazine. All published work
are paid depending on length and content. - Sai Vang
HmoobTeen Editors
Bao Xiong, Blia Vue, Blong Vang, Jonny Xiong, KaZoua Vang, Kia
Lor, Lee Yolei Yang, Meng Yang, Mysee Chang, Nhia Lee, Panhia
Lee, Pa Yong Xiong, Ricki Vang, Youa Vang
Editor In Chief
Sai Vang
Designs
Kia Lor, Yolei Yang, Ricki Vang, Panhia Lee, Sai Vang
SEND IT IN!
CONTRUBITING WRITERS and ARTISTS
Chong Yang, T. Xiong, Kou Vang, Chimay Hang, Mary Xiong,
Stephanie Moua, Noah Vang, Moua Xiong, Fue Yang, and Kia
Xiong, Suzy Xiong
Log onto www.hmong.org for more details on the following:
We pay for work we publish.
Articles/Photo Essays/Comics: up to $25
Drawings: up to $20
Poems: up to $15
Winter 2008 theme is
Melting Pot
Tell us:
The boundary of what is Hmong and what
is not.
What are Hmong stereotypes
About Hmong diversity.
About losing our roots.
The new ways of courtship.
Deadline:
October 10, 2008
Send your work in!
Email: Hmoobtm@hmong.org or by mail toHmoobteen,
1075 Aracde Street, St. Paul, MN 55106
Spring 2008 theme is
Crime & Punishment
Tell us:
What acts of injustice have you or people
you know done
What laws do you believe are unfair
Which rules in the Hmong culture are
unfair
What was your worst punishment
Deadline:
February 6, 2009
You must include your name, age, city, state, telephone number and
email where we can reach you--even if you wish to remain anonymous.
All submissions are subject to revision. We may contact authors to work
with authors on revisions.
Submission Requirements:
Art-Must be on unlined paper and MUST NOT be folded.
Writing-Type in MS Word and attach document to your email.
HmoobTeen holds all the rights of works once published. Submissions sent to Hmoob-
Teen becomes HmoobTeen property, is done at the risk of the sender and will not be
returned. Email your work if you can.
HmoobTeen (ISSN 1935-1542) is published 4 times a year: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter
by Hmong American Partnership. Currently we reach over 20,000 readers per issue.
Our next issue, coming to you Fall 2008, has the theme Acceptance and Rejection.
Subscriptions/Back Issues: 651-495-1526 or hmoobtm@hmong.org
The views expressed in this publication are of the authors and do not represent opinions
or the views of Hmong American Partnership (HAP) or HmoobTeen, their staff, volunteers,
funders or partners.
4 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008
1-866-379-6363
HmoobTeen tries its best to screen websites listed in the magazine. However, the content,
views and opinions displayed and expressed by the websites and/or their respective organizations
may, or may not reflect those of HmoobTeen and HAP.
HmoobTeen is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the MN Department of Health
and by funds provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Foundation and United Way.

Letter From the New Editor-in-Chief
My first week as editor-in-chief has been the easiest transition I
have ever experienced and the most exciting at a new job. I was
able to witness the editors in action as they interviewed elders at
Hmong American Partnership’s Intergenerational Pinic; read the
outpouring of submissions from faithful readers; and reviewed
more and more applications for the new editor positions. Before
coming on board, I knew how amazing this magazine was, but I
am now beginning to realize the wide spread impact it has in the
community. I am very excited to join and be a part of this amazing
team!
Thank you Mee
Xiong, Jonny Xiong,
and Youa Vang!
We will miss you!
I would like to show my greatest apprecitation to my predecessor,
Mee Xiong, who worked tirelessly on HmoobTeen for more
than three years. Her efforts has made HmoobTeen the premiere
magazine for Hmong American youth all over the nation. Thank
you Mee and we wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.
As we look forward to the 12th year of HmoobTeen, we must also
say our farewells to Jonny Xiong and Youa Vang. Jonny has been
an editor since 2006. His out-of-the-box thinking and constant
constructive analysis has brought a different voice to the magazine
that has not heard before. Youa has been an editor since
2005. Her creativity has brought us Hmongscopes and the stories
of a girl name Mai. Her voice and perpective will also be missed.
Lastly, expect for HmoobTeen to continue to grow its rich tradition
of being the place where teens can speak and be heard. Send in
your work and send in your letters; we apprecitate
and want to know what you have to say!
Sincerely,
Youa Vang
Sai Vang
Mee Xiong
Jonny Xiong
HmoobTeen can
arrive at your home
5 times for just
$10
I
Subscribe now.
YES!
want to subscribe now and read my own copy of
HmoobTeen wherever and whenever I want. Send
me 5 issues for just $10!
Cut this box out & mail your check to HAP: 1075 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106
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SPECIAL ELECTION COVERAGE
2008 Presidential Candidates: The Vote Is Yours
By Jonny Xiong, HmoobTeen Editor, 20, Minneapolis, MN
I’m not usually a person who likes to talk or write about politics to others, unless of course it involves cookies and milk. But in the thoughtfulness
of others, I have decided to fork over my soul in the best interest of the young people. Note: When I began writing this article, people
were stabbing me with their opinions of the better candidate. So to restrain myself from spewing out my own corrupted opinions, I’ll list
down the positive and solid facts of each candidate and issues that should be of concerns for all Hmong teens.
IRAQ
EDUCATION
BARACK OBAMA
Obama believes we must be as careful getting out of
Iraq as we were careless getting in. Immediately upon
taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense
and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending
the war. The removal of our troops will be responsible
and phased, directed by military commanders on the
ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government.
Military experts believe we can safely redeploy
combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades
a month that would remove them in 16 months. That would
be the summer of 2010 – more than 7 years after the
war began.
Obama will reform No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which
starts by funding the law. Obama believes teachers
should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing
students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests. He
will improve the assessments used to track student progress
to measure readiness for college and the workplace
and improve student learning in a timely, individualized
manner. Obama will also improve NCLB’s accountability
system so that we are supporting schools that need
improvement, rather than punishing them.
The Dropout Crisis: Obama will address the dropout crisis
by passing his legislation to provide funding to school
districts to invest in intervention strategies in middle school
- strategies such as personal academic plans, teaching
teams, parent involvement, mentoring, intensive reading
and math instruction, and extended learning time.
JOHN MCCAIN
McCain believes it is strategically and morally essential
for the United States to support the Government of Iraq
to become capable of governing itself and safeguarding
its people. He strongly disagrees with those who
advocate withdrawing American troops before that has
occurred.
The best way to secure long-term peace and security is
to establish a stable, prosperous, and democratic state
in Iraq that poses no threat to its neighbors and contributes
to the defeat of terrorists. When Iraqi forces can
safeguard their own country, American troops can return
home.
No Child Left Behind has focused our attention on the
realities of how students perform against a common standard.
John McCain believes that we can no longer accept
low standards for some students and high standards for
others. In this age of honest reporting, we finally see what
is happening to students who were previously invisible.
While that is progress all its own, it compels us to seek
and find solutions to the dismal facts before us.
McCain will build on the lessons of NCLB. There should be
an emphasis on standards and accountability. However,
our goal cannot be group averages. Instead, our focus
should be to inspire every child to strive to reach his or
her potential. While NCLB has been invaluable in providing
a clear picture of which schools and students are
struggling, it is only the beginning of education reform.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
6 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

SPECIAL ELECTION COVERAGE
Why You Should Vote!
By Blia Vue, HmoobTeen Editor, 17, St. Paul, MN
Are you someone who is interested in government policy or maybe
a person who just wants to make a difference in your own life or
the lives of others If you are this type of person then get out and
vote! Or are you the type who says, “What‘s so great about voting,
when our votes don’t even count” or “One vote doesn’t make
a difference.”
Five reasons why YOU should get out there and VOTE
1. You get to complain about things you dislike.
2. Being able to vote is a privilege that not everyone has.
Let’s look into these different opinions.
Do you know that your one vote won’t
make a difference The honest truth is
that every vote does count! Voting is a
privilege. We live in the United States of
America where many of us don’t even care
about how the country is run anymore.
Have we forgotten how this country is run
We have also forgotten how important it
is as Americans to be heard. Our voices
may be a whisper as an individual, but
once it‘s combined together, it will
become a powerful voice.
Voting is a privilege. Being able to vote
is a privilege that not everyone has the
rights to in other countries. For example,
many young people my age actually die
fighting for the right to vote in developing countries around the
world. They are willing to sacrifice everything and their families by
fighting with blood to be heard. So why aren’t we using the rights
and freedom that we have as a given privilege
We may not have the direct ability to decide who we want to be
governed by because many of us are younger than 18 years old;
but we can let them know the issues we care about. There are also
many youth programs that we all love and look forward to in the
future. Who knows, maybe all of these youth programs will come
to an end if we don’t stand up. So if we still want to see them
happen in the future, it’s best to vote on these issues or advocate
for adults to vote on your behalf. Voting is a powerful action any
individual can do to show they care about today’s problems and
issues.
“Our voices may be a whisper as an
individual, but once it‘s combined
together, it will become a powerful voice.”
Election day is
NOVEMBER 4
3. If you vote, it shows elected officials that you care. Therefore
more money will go to youth programs you want. Make sure your
elected officials all know how important these programs are to
you.
4. Do you like others making decisions for you If not, get out there
and make your own decisions and you decide how you want things
to be.
5. You get to keep a red sticker that says,
“I Voted”. (It’s not just an ordinary sticker, it’s
a sticker that shows you did your job; you
have use your rights properly.)
I VOTED
We vote to show that we care about what is going on in our state,
country and world. We vote to let them know that we are aware
of problems and programs we want. We vote to defend what we
love. We vote because we want to be heard.
Again, voting is an extraordinary privilege and a right that everyone
should have and not everyone is born with it. So why not
make use of it to the fullest We can all make a difference. All
that you have to do is make the decision. So are you in or not You
decide!

8
WAYS TO LOSE SOMEONE WHO
BUGS THE LIVING OUT OF YOU
By Ricki Vang, 16, HmoobTeen Editor, Brooklyn Park, MN
So there are times in our lives where we come across people
who we wish we would of never met. Such as those who
made our lives a bit less livable, those who just make our
Sundays longer than it’s supposed to, and those who just
don’t simply fit in our book of people.
Catching on... Yes, I’m talking about those who we simply
can’t get rid of and somehow they keep on landing right in
front of our door over and over again. No matter how much
we try to ignore them or push them away, somehow it never
seem to work.
So next time when they end up in your door again try some
of these ways to get them off your back for good.
HmoobTeen can
arrive at your home
5 times for just
$10
Don’t miss
a single issue!
Subscribe now.
I want to subscribe now and read my own copy of
HmoobTeen wherever and whenever I want. Send
YES! me 5 issues for just $10!
Cut this box out & mail your check to HAP: 1075 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106
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November 2007 HmoobTeen / 5
Email
Your Age
1. Be honest and tell them about how he/she makes you feel.
Break down and show emotions because when emotions come
into play, the whole subject changes because when feelings get
hurts, oh no, it’s the highest point.
2. Act different when you’re around them. When talking to
them, have a total different personality, views, and thoughts.
3. Bug them. Drive them crazy as they do to you. Make him/
her feel as you feel when they bug you.
4. Talk about a subject that you know they hate talking about.
Bring it up all the time when you guys see one another.
5. Become friends with his/her most disliked person.
6. Figure out his/her deep darkest secret.
7. Invite him/her out to a place where they would never want
to go back to.
8. Trick someone into replacing you as his/her bugging buddy.
8 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Knowing Your Hmong
The Purpose of the Sport Tournament
By Panhia Lee, HmoobTeen Editor, 16, St.Paul, MN
Have you ever pondered the thought of why there is a sports tournament
every year Sure, most of us think that it’s the same each
year, but what’s its purpose We all go to the tournament to watch
the sports games, shop, and eat without actually knowing the purpose.
I believe that by knowing why this large annual gathering of
Hmong people happens, we will all appreciate the event and the
people who make it possible each and every year more.
The main organizer of the event is Lao Family, a non-profit
mutual assistance association founded in 1977. This organization
has helped a lot of Hmong and Lao families adapt to life in the
United States, particularly in Minnesota, California and Wisconsin.
One of their goals is to guide families to gain access and network
within the mainstream society. They provided supportive services
to the new refugees, mainly in those three states. Since their organization
was founded, they have helped many families, and each
year they hold a tournament to celebrate the coming together of
our people.
In 1980, the first celebration started out with a handful of families
coming together from all over the states, including Canada. The
event was held at the bank of Mississippi river where Harris Island
is right now. At the time, there were very few Hmong families in
the United States and because families were separated after the
Vietnam War. It was the first time that the Hmong families were
able to find peace at this gathering.
As each year approached more and more families settled in the
St. Paul/Minneapolis area, the event was moved to Como Park.
Although some infusion of American culture has been mixed in with
ours, the purpose has remained the same as when it first started
out. So, next year when the time comes again, with your knowledge
now, appreciate and keep on welcoming the new Hmong families.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ECONOMY
BARACK OBAMA
Obama will increase federal support for research, technology
and innovation for companies and universities so
that American families can lead the world in creating new
advanced jobs and products.
Invest in the Sciences: Barack Obama supports doubling
federal funding for basic research and changing the
posture of our federal government from being one of the
most anti-science administrations in American history to
one that embraces science and technology. This will foster
home-grown innovation, help ensure the competitiveness
of US technology-based businesses, and ensure that 21st
century jobs can and will grow in America.
JOHN MCCAIN
McCain believes that globalization is an opportunity for
American workers today and in the future. Ninety-five
percent of the world’s customers lie outside our borders
and we need to be at the table when the rules for access
to those markets are written. To do so, the U.S. should
engage in multilateral, regional and bilateral efforts to
reduce barriers to trade, level the global playing field
and build effective enforcement of global trading rules.
Export growth is the strongest part of our sluggish
economy, and we should be encouraging the growth of
even more jobs in this sector through more free trade
agreements which give American firms more access to sell
our goods and services abroad.
OTHER ISSUES
Human Rights
National Security
Environment and energy independences
Effort to reduced our national debt
Better and more efficient foreign policy
Healthcare
Immigration
Efficient and better independent energy sources
National security
Healthcare
Climate Change
Immigration
Fighting Crime
Rights to bare arm
HmoobTeen does not endorse either Obama or McCain for president. We are simply providing information taken from the candidates’ websites to increase
awareness and allow individuals to vote based on their own values and opinions. This is not an exhausted list of issues provided by both candidates. For more
information please visit www.BarackObama.com and www.JohnMccain.com.
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 9

Adult Role Model
SUCCESS IS THE END RESULT OF YOUR SELF-KNOWLEDGE
By Mysee Chang, HmoobTeen Editor, 17, Corcoran, MN
Xiongpao Lee is a very active and dedicated community leader. The achievements he’s earned have taught him one
very important lesson: “Success is the end result of your self-knowledge.” Today he is an Intensive Case Manger
for Hmong American Partnership (HAP), Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent
(CHAT) and also the band manager of Watching LeonA.
Xiongpao Lee was born in Nong Khai refugee camp in
Thailand and grew up in Fresno, California when his family
immigrated to the United States. During his senior year
of high school, his father decided to relocate the family
to South Carolina. In 2001, Xiongpao graduated with
a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design and Marketing
from the University of South Carolina Upstate, in Spartanburg,
South Carolina. Two years later he relocated
to Minnesota. His family, a brother and his parents, still
reside in South Carolina. There were many factors that
drew Xiongpao to Minnesota, from organizations like the
Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) to the elections
of state Senator Mee Moua and state Representative Cy
Thao, “I was like, that’s where I want to be, that’s where I
want to get involved,” Xiongpao explained. However, if it
weren’t for his brother he wouldn’t have made the decision
to come, “We got into this big argument one day and he
said, ‘if you have all these dreams that you want to pursue
then stop talking about them and go make them come
true, otherwise, you’ll just be dreaming.’ He was right. If I
don’t go and do something, then nothing’s going to happen.”
“If I don’t go and do something, than
nothing’s going to happen.”
And he sure did something. For a 29-year-old man, he’s
accomplished a lot. A few accomplishments that Xiongpao
is proud of are placing third in the Hmong American
New Year Prince Charming Pageant in 2004, awarded
the “Most Influential Person” from Hmong V.I.S.I.O.N (an
organization dedicated to creating social change for the
Hmong community), co-founder of CHAT’s I.C.E. Open Mic,
coordinator of the St. Paul Hmong Men’s Circle program
and currently, he is a member of the Community Advisory Committee that will be guiding the Metropolitan Council in the constructing of
the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit project. “I’m happy that I’ve been able to accomplish a lot but I still think there’s a lot more work
to do,” said Xiongpao.
Xiongpao often accounts the happiness and success he has today to the self-knowledge he’s gained from experiences in the past. In high
school, he participated in the Asian Club and in programs like DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and AVID (Advancement Via
Individual Determination). His involvement in these programs taught him many important things and he encourages teens to take advantage
of these programs in their high schools, “AVID was really the first program that helped me to see why I needed to go to college. It
really opened up my eyes to see what’s really out there for me and I hope teens can get involved and see it for themselves too.” However,
coming out of high school there was one thing Xiongpao wished he could have changed, “I was so unsatisfied with my involvement
because even though I was there, I really didn’t do much. Yes, I helped but in terms of being a leader and standing up to speak out and
making decisions, [but I felt] I didn’t do much. So going into college, I really wanted to change that.”
10 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

In college, Xiongpao was more involved
and became a student leader on the
summer Orientation Team, in the Asian
Club and in Student Government. He is
also an alumnus of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
His experience with the fraternity
taught him a lot about the brotherhood
in our culture, “I only have one brother
and I don’t have any other siblings so
brotherhood was something I wanted to
explore. The fraternity kind of helped
me to reflect upon our clan system, the
brotherhood between the males in the
Hmong society, and what it means to be
a Hmong man.” Overall his involvements
in high school and college have led him
to believe that what you do in the past
shapes and influences who you are and
what you do in the future, “That’s what I
mean by ‘success is the end result of your
self-knowledge.’ Everyone has their own
definition of success but for me, success is
satisfaction. What everything boils down
to in the end is how happy you are and
for you to be able to achieve that, it all
comes down to knowing yourself or your
‘self-knowledge’: who you want to be,
who you are, and what you can or can’t
do If you can know these things and answer
these questions then it will translate
into your success.”
“I only have one brother
and I don’t have any other
siblings so brotherhood
was something I wanted
to explore. The fraternity
kind of helped me to reflect
upon our clan system, the
brotherhood between the
males in the Hmong society,
and what it means to be a
Hmong man.” -Xiong Pao lee
xiong pao at CHAT’s music festival as a hmong warrior.
In addition to learning more about who you are, Xiongpao’s words of wisdom are to have fun in high school and to be proud of your
culture. “Have fun in high school because it’s the last period of your life that is truly innocent. If you are unhappy or unsatisfied, angry
or upset at certain things, work it out and work through it because after high school it only gets harder. All your issues, all the unhappiness
or happiness, really does translate into your later life. Some grown men and women still have issues from high school that they’ve
never worked out and it’s unfortunate because it holds them back. Lastly, be proud of your Hmong culture. Be proud of your traditions.
Be proud of where you came from and where you are going because it’s a transitional time right now, and we’re defining what’s
Hmong-American as we go. No one else can do it, only us because we are Hmong-Americans.”
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 11

Theme
Why Am I Constantly Being Compared To Others
By Pa Yong Xiong, 17, HmoobTeen Editor, St. Paul, MN
“Why aren’t you as smart as your friend”
“Why aren’t you as helpful as your sister”
You are at the age when your body is changing rapidly. This
includes mentally, physically, and or emotionally. But that is
not all; you are also growing up between two totally different
worlds. Now on top of that, there are small little comments that
just seem to hurt your feelings. These comments can be made
from your parents, friends, or teacher such as “Why aren’t
you as smart as your friend,” or “Why aren’t you as helpful
as your sister” So, why do these comments hurt so badly Because
they hit close to home.
Especially because we are adapting to a different culture,
speaking English as a second language, then, these remarks
and or comments can rise to questions such as, “Am I normal”
Next thing you know, you may be comparing yourself to others
and if they are coping with life better than you. You can
feel that you are not developing normally at all and may feel
insecure.
Comparison comments hurt a lot and sometimes when you are
compared to someone you are close to, the feelings of jealousy
and resentment can be caused. This can really mess up
your relationship with them.
Basically, people compare you to others because they just want
you to feel bad or it’s something they want you to improve on.
So, how do we live with this Well, we cannot choose what
other people can say to us. However, we can choose the way
we handle it. Usually when comparison comments are made,
the person making it may not be aware, but they just want you
to bring the best out of you. Comparisons can be helpful as
well, because it points out your weaker sides. Knowing what
your weaker sides are will motivate you to work on them.
Just remember that if you do not feel comfortable about the
comments made, you can approach them respectfully, whether
it’s your parents, friends, or teacher and explain to them how
the comments make you feel.
TIP:
Never write, talk, instant message, or email anyone you are
mad at; wait until you cool down first to approach them, becasue
you might do things that you might regret later on.
12 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Deforming Orthopedic Problem
By Anonymous, 15, St. Paul, MN
As a 15 year old teenager, I love to dance a lot and I love to do
many things. Pretty soon all that is going away for me. In the future
I will be going through back pain and wouldn’t have the strength to
do anything anymore. What I’m going through is a type of deforming
orthopedic problem. It is a potentially progressive condition
that affects children during their active growth phase and essentially
subsides upon completion of spinal growth, leaving the child
with a permanent deformity. Scoliosis can result in cardiopulmonary
complications that can decrease life span. A scoliosis develops
when the spine bends sideways and rotates along its vertical axis.
When you look at someone from behind, the spine curves either
like a “C” or like and an “S.” Scoliosis can be caused by congenital
deformities, neuromuscular diseases and paralysis, but these causes
make up a small percentage of scoliotic curves.
Knowing all this information makes me not knowing what I’m going
to get in the future. I’ve always wanted to be a model, singer, and
dancer but people will know about my back and I don’t want them
to notice it because it is so noticeable. There’s this someone that I
really trust and he knows everything about me. This one time he
called me a “crippled” and it really hurted me, I cried because to
me it wasn’t funny. Deep inside it really hurts. This one time my mom
and I went to go talk to a Hmong doctor and he told us that getting
my spine fix is a really difficult thing. There was a possibility that I
could die from the surgery. I told my friend that one day I wouldn’t
be able to dance anymore but she said I could dance still. I know
for sure that in the future I’m not going to have a career because
no ones gonna want to accept me. I want to be an interior designer
and have a big home for my family, so we wouldn’t have to keep
moving and just stay at one perfect spot. My mom once told me
that she wants me to get married because in the future no one is
gonna want to marry someone like me because I don’t have that
perfect body.
Writing this article makes me want to cry because I wouldn’t be
able to do anything anymore. So right now I’m having all my fun
before everything goes away and dancing was the best thing I’ve
ever enjoyed in life. Scoliosis runs through the family gene but why
does it have to happen me Sometimes I wish I’d be dead because
what’s the point of living when I’m gonna be going through pain.
But now I’ve decided to just live in pain until it is time for me. I want
to have kids that have part of my blood in them but I don’t want
them to be going through what I’m having now. I was once compared
to a Japanese drama movie called “One Liter of Tears,” it
really hurts me but I just pretended to laugh along with them but
really, deep inside I was crying.
Hopefully everyone that has the same problem as I do, doesn’t feel
ashamed of their body and know that they are not the only one
going through this. For me even though I am struggling right now, I
know that I still have the power to find my future and that I have to
keep fighting harder.
My Very Special Sister
Chong Yang, 15, St. Paul, MN
I know that everyone’s had to handle rejection before. Even I have.
Rejection is a hard thing to handle, but one person I know who has
to deal with a lot of rejections is my sister.
My sister is the youngest daughter of eight children. What sets her
apart from the rest of us is that she has a special condition called
cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy causes her right hand to be weak.
The bones in her right arm aren’t strong enough to support her so
she can’t use her right hand; that’s why she’s left-handed. Cerebral
palsy also causes her to be slower in some areas of school. It may
take her longer to understand something, such as a simple math
problem that you are able to do in five minutes.
Rejection can hit her hard because when she is at school, she sometimes
gets judged because of her arm. She may not have as many
friends as she could have. Not many people talk to her because
they think she’s “special”. Yes, she is very quiet and shy, but just
get to know my sister. Once she is comfortable enough around a
person, they’ll see a different side of her. She has a big and loud
mouth inside of her. She’s not as quiet and shy as she seems.
Living with her may be hard at times, but I don’t mind. Even if living
with her means that I’ll have to put up with her constant blabber
about who hates her and who doesn’t; I guess I have to put up with
it.
Rejection is not the only thing I have learned having her as my sister,
but patience, discipline, and self-acceptance. No matter how hard
it is for her at school, no matter the situation, she still moves forward
everyday. I am so proud having her as my sister.
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 13

Reject 101
By Jonny Xiong, HmoobTeen Editor, 20, Minneapolis, MN
“Accept others for who they are.” Hardly anyone
whom I know personally (most) are less likely
to put their actions before their words. Allow me
to say this before the reader assumes I’m a one
sided person. “If I’m not speaking for all, then the
message speaks for those whom ever you deem
appropriate to point your finger to.” I mean hey,
everyone likes to be right, but of course by being
right, then something must be wrong with that
“other person” correct So that other person
who wears American Eagles, GAP, South Pole,
Dickies, Addidas, and Nikes- who believes in the
Christian faith and the traditional Animism and
who has one parent; not two parents- is someone
whom you think is lower then you, because
he/she doesn’t share, or have a better identity
than you
Everyday we wake up to find ourselves being
questioned about our ideals or our everyday
way of life. “What You don’t believe in God!”
or “You aren’t Hmong because you don’t follow
our traditions!” Countless acts of persuasion and
peer pressure, we are force against our will to
be who we ought to be. But who am I kidding,
without change, what good is trying to be unique
and different Yes, changes are good but why
change by the will of others Are we trying to
appeal more to them Are we trying to fit in, to
be liked, to be the center of attention Probably.
I find myself no different from you, constantly fighting the good
battle to defend what originality is still left inside of me. Yet, I also
want to fit in. Am I fighting to be accepted, or am I fighting to be
myself Ask yourself that question.
Duce Khan & Logo wrote:
“Mom and Pop’s will always yell at me day and night
They ask me why I don’t live a life to suit society
Though it is said nicely, I can hardly hear anything nice
That is why my life is so lost and miserable.”
-A rough translation from Hmong to English from Duce Khan & Logo’s
album: Mloog Zoo Zoo.
Artwork by Suzy Xiong, 15, St. Paul, MN
Rejection
By T. Xiong, 17, St. Paul, MN
What is rejection Do you know anything about it Well everybody’s
been rejected at least once in his or her life. I did and I know a bit
of it because I can’t lie. Rejection is something that will always come
and go.
I remember once I was rejected by a person that I liked in middle
school. Yeah people made fun of it but after a while it became
nothing but just a rejection. When a person gets rejected by someone
they might feel down and embarrassed because of the fact that
they tried so hard just to ask a question or to do something. When
someone gets rejected, what he or she mostly need is confidence to
make it through.
Some people have low confidence so they get really uncomfortable
at a moment when they are very nervous. Has that ever happened
to me Yes, lots of times back then but it happens every now and
then. So I kept telling myself, it’s nothing to be afraid of. Being
strong over rejection is the smartest thing that a person would have
to do.
14 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Accepting Yourself First
By Kia Lor, HmoobTeen Editor, 17, St. Paul, MN
“You’re not good enough.”
“You’re too fat.”
“You’re too short.”
“You’re too tall.”
“You’re too this, you’re too that, blah, blah, blah.”
I’m sure all of us have heard these things or something
along the lines before. It’s not just you, it’s not just me, it’s
every single one of us! As much as we try to tell ourselves
it’s nonsense, ‘I know exactly who I am’, and ‘I don’t care
what others think of me”, there’s always something at
the back of our minds having second thoughts about
what others say about us. People are always saying things
about other people. Oh come on, you’d be lying to no
one other than yourself if you think you don’t say things
Theme
about others. People love to put other people down to
make themselves feel better about who they are.
But as I’m getting older I’m realizing that what others say
to me will only hurt me if I let them. You have to accept
the good within you as well as your flaws. Accept the fact
that you’re YOU. Accept the fact that you have meat on
your skin, that there are pimples on your face, that both
your eye brows are not the same arc, and that you have
good and bad sides to your personality. Accept the fact
that you slam the door when you’re mad, that you snore
when you sleep, that you get straight C’s on your report
card, and that you sometimes procrastinate.
Just accept all the gift that is in you. Once you’ve accepted
yourself for who you are you’ll feel way better about
yourself. You’ll feel confident about who you are and
what you do. You’ll feel alive and happy. Trust me, I’ve
been there done that, I know what I’m talking about. Your
imperfections that make you unique. Just accept yourself
for who are, then others will accept you as who you are.
Acceptance
Kou Vang, 15, St. Paul, MN
I have accepted a lot of different types of people in my life other than just those from my culture. This includes people of all kinds of
ethnicities, such as, African American, Vietnamese, and Caucasian students as my friends.
First, I have been friends with African American students since I was little. I have accepted being friends with them. We have had fun
together and talked. I was about eight years old at the time when I made my first African American friend and he was also eight years
old. We met while attending Maxfield Elementary School together.
Next, I have accepted Vietnamese students as my friends as well.
We have had ELL classes together and as a group, learned more
about the English language. We played together and talked to each
other. I made my first friend that was Vietnamese when I was eight
years old while attending Maxfield Elementary School.
Finally, I have accepted many Caucasian
students as my friends. Sometimes, we played
rough and did crazy things like pushing and
shoving. We talked to each other and did
projects together. We even had Special
Education classes together. I made my first
Caucasian friend when I was 14 years old
while attending Hope Community Academy.
As you can see, through my life, I have accepted
people from all different ethnicities as
my friends. My life is better because I got to
know about the different cultures and I have
been friends with them.
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 15

Throughout life we all get categorized from the way
we look, act, dress, and so on. In the Hmong community,
some of our elders tend to reject some of our
very own passion, whether it’s music, art, or fashion.
I realized this as I endured moments of my personal
experience.
My Impetus
By Bao Xiong, HmoobTeen Editor, 16, St. Paul, MN
As a hip hop artist, I’ve been rejected from my parents due to the fact that
hip hop is labeled as from the streets to our loud banging speakers. When
my parents first found out that I wanted to be a rapper they were fine with
it until I became sturdily ambitious. It all started when I got in to a hip hop/
poetry program that was held every Thursdays. My parents were my only
ride to and from the program. Later on, I got swept like dirt because they
disapprovingly said, “Hip hop was too gangsta” or that it’s for gangstas and
black people and it is of no use in my life. My parents stopped taking me to
my program so my mentor started taking me and that’s when he advised me
to ignore it. Basically he enlightened me to keep doing what I like and not
let anyone put me down because if I do, I won’t be able to attain my goals.
I took his words to the heart and became a stronger outcast. I stayed in the
program till it ended and it was worth the struggles.
Through my little journey I have always remained positive. I remember the
times I tried telling my mother that rap was not all about being bad. I would
explain to her how I’d want to synthesize my rap in relation to the Hmong
cultures in the future. Soon enough, my mother was there to support me and
my dreams. I guess my persuasion changed her mind. Happily, she talked it
out with my father and they bought me recording equipments. They finally
accepted my love of hip hop because I was strong enough to hold every ominous
doubt on my shoulders. It did take a while to earn their support and it
certainly wasn’t easy. Truthfully, we all know that some of our Hmong elders
do not understand what we like to do and they
My parents
said to me,
“Hip hop
was too
gangsta;
or that it’s
for gangstas
and
black people
and it
is no use in
my life.”
Bao performing at CHAT’s
Arts and Music Festival on
8/16/2008.
have a hard time accepting it, especially when we have
adapted in the American life. Our elders do not look
beyond it. They only complain about what they see, but
I believe soon their perspectives will change and they
will become our advocates.
At the end, I want all my outcasts to feel my battle
through this ride and believe in themselves. But I must
say, don’t overly abuse your prospects. If you’re lucky
enough, you’ll exceed even farther or else just right
where you want. I believe behind every artist, there’s
history and behind every history, there’s a reason. You,
yourself is your own impetus.
16 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Rejecting The Real Me
by Chimay Hang, 13, Anoka, MN
Turning 13 was like any other age. To it was just becoming
older but also having new opportunities; a
new school with new beginnings and more changes to
take in. But as my 7th grade year rolled on I changed
into someone else. A different face, a different shadow
and a different reflection. I just stopped believing
in myself. Even if no one knew the real me. I sure did,
or so I thought.
Middle school is like a competition. We are trying to
fit in by wearing all the latest styles and having this
and that. It just seemed like a lot of effort to put into.
I never really understood why doing all this, was important
to the human eye. Well at least that’s what I
thought. Sure there were perks, but wouldn’t you think
that being you was enough
I thought if people saw me “different”, it would make
me seem more interesting than just a regular girl.
Maybe I just didn’t’ understand what I had to offer. I
had never even noticed that I had changed from the
inside out. Well more like outside in.
When my step-father would pick me up after school,
whether it being because of student council or a soccer
game, everyone stared at me, because he was
of a different ethnicity. I was afraid of what people
would say to me, “a Hmong girl with a white dad”
People said thing that had hurt a lot too and I let it
get to me. I cared too much of what other people
said when I should have cared about what I had to
say.
I was embarrassed by who I was. As I started to realize
that being me is something unique. I finally didn’t
care what people said about me. I understood that if
I knew who I was, they would know the real me. They
can judge me by what they see, but they’ll never really
know.
I rejected myself and lost a lot by doing so. I lost
some great friends. I lost who I really was and I lost
trust in me. Now, I’m accepting what life has to give
and take, what my mistakes can teach me and where
each road takes me.
I’m still searching for good changes to make, but I
have a lifetime to do so. So far now I like who I am. I
like what life has given me so far. And I know there is
more to come, no matter how far you wander away
from yourself. The voices in your heart will lead you
right back to the real you.
Announces
Scholarships for Hmong
Students
The Hmong American Partnership Educational Endowment
will provide two types of scholarships this
year:
1) Leadership scholarships for seniors graduating from
high school in 2008 that have demonstrated leadership
and scholastic excellence.
2) Non-Traditional Student scholarships for students
who have demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic
excellence. “Non-traditional” is defined as more
than 22 years old, married, OR a single parent. Students
in technical, occupational, and apprenticeship
programs are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants must:
• be Hmong,
• reside in Minnesota, and
• demonstrate financial need.
Hmong American Partnership employees are ineligible for these
scholarships.
For more information about application packages, the
scholarship awards, or Hmong American Partnership,
please visit www.hmong.org or contact MaiKia Vang
at (651) 495-1529 or maikiav@hmong.org.
Applications must be postmarked by October
17, 2008, or hand delivered to 1075
Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN 55106 by 5:00
p.m. on October 17, 2008. Awards will be
made in December 2008.
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 17

Did you know. . .
To Be Or Not To Be A Friend
By Ka Zoua Vang, Hmoobteen Editor, 16, St. Paul, MN
Every friendship you build will leave an imprint in your life. There will be some friends who you will quarrel
and disagree with more often; meanwhile there will be some friends who will understand and are
closer to you. Your friends and the peers you are around with will shape your character and who you
are. For that reason, it’s up to you to choose the kinds of friends you want to have. Here are a few tips
on how to make healthy decisions in choosing friends.
Look for friends who:
• Act as positive role models and help guide you.
• Are supportive and encouraging.
• Do not tease or depreciate of you.
• Share and talk to you openly about any disagreements.
• Apologize to you when they’ve hurt you.
• Respect your opinions and accept your differences.
• Encourage an equal balance in sharing and giving in a relationship.
• Make positive choices and want the best for you.
• Stay away from harmful, destructive or negative activities.
Stay away from peers who:
• Do drugs or pressure you to do drugs.
• Tell you to be like them before they can accept you.
• Bully you or pressure you to do things you know are wrong.
• Participate in harmful or negative activities.
• Make you feel insecure or unsafe.
• Discriminate or disrespect you.
“Who finds a
faithful friend
finds a treasure.”
– Jewish saying
If you ever find yourself in an unhealthy relationship, realize it and find ways to stay out of it. Here
are a few ways to deal with negative peer pressure:
• Tell them “no” and walk away.
• Make up an excuse.
• Use humor or reverse the pressure.
• Keep telling them you don’t approve of it and to leave you alone.
• Find friends who have the same values as you, to back you up.
• Talk to someone you trust (maybe a parent or teacher) about the situation.
18 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Accepting Myself
By Anonymous, 14, St. Paul, MN
Theme
I have never been the skinny girl and I am still not the skinny one. Ever since sixth grade, I have been in a battle against myself. All I
wanted was to just be skinny, just like everyone else. I would scold myself for eating, or being “too fat”. Sometimes I look at myself in
the mirror and sneer at the reflection because I thought that I looked hideous. Most of my friends were skinny, so whenever I see them, I
would immediately compare myself to them and say to myself, “Look at them. They’re so skinny and look at me!”
One summer, it got pretty serious and I almost stopped eating altogether. That
was how desperate I was to lose weight. I would hide in my room to stop the
urge to eat food. I was afraid that if I ate, then I would overeat and get fat.
That summer, I lost 20 pounds. But still, I wasn’t satisfied. I wanted to lose more
weight. I dropped five more pounds.
This battle is still going on and I don’t know how much longer I will have to fight,
but I am not giving up. I am slowly learning to accept myself and say, “So what
if I am bigger than her So what I am me and no one else can be me. I will
have to learn to love myself before others can love me.”
For everyone else out there, I want to say that I know it’s hard. I know that everyone
wants to be skinny but that doesn’t mean that you should starve yourself.
Please don’t. Once I did that and I didn’t understand how it affected the people
around me. But now I do. I got to be on the other side and experience the pain,
hurt and worry for the person who isn’t eating. You feel so helpless and so
angry that they’re doing this. I am not saying that you should constantly eat nor
am I saying go starve yourself. No, I am saying accept yourself for who you are
and live your life, being you. It doesn’t matter if you’re one or two or even three
sizes bigger than your friends. No, all that matters is that you love yourself for
WHO YOU ARE. Live your life and love yourself.
What is an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include
extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues.
Artwork by Mary Xiong, 14, St. Paul, MN
ANOREXIA NERVOSA is characterized by self-starvation and
excessive weight loss.
Symptoms include:
• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal
weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
• Intense fear of weight gain or being “fat”
• Feeling “fat” or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
• Loss of menstrual periods
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape
BULIMIA NERVOSA is characterized by a secretive cycle of binge
eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts
of food--more than most people would eat in one meal--in short
periods of time, then getting rid of the food and calories through
vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising.
Symptoms include:
• Repeated episodes of bingeing and purging
• Feeling out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point
of comfortable fullness
• Purging after a binge, (typically by self-induced vomiting, abuse
of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting)
• Frequent dieting
BINGE EATING DISORDER (also known as COMPULSIVE
OVEREATING) is characterized primarily by periods of
uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point
of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there
may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and often feelings
of shame or self-hatred after a binge. People who overeat
compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression, and loneliness,
which can contribute to their unhealthy episodes of binge
eating. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate,
or severe obesity.
OTHER EATING DISORDERS can include some combination of
the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, and/or binge
eating disorder. While these behaviors may not be clinically
considered a full syndrome eating disorder, they can still be
physically dangerous and emotionally draining. All eating
disorders require professional help.
Seeking Help, Referrals, or Answers
Call Toll Free 1-800-931-2237
Information and resources are provided by the National Eating
Disorders Association. www.NationalEatingDisorders.org.
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 19

Review
Center for Hmong Arts and Talents’
7th Annual
Arts & Music Festival
By Bao Xiong, 16, Hmoobteen Editor, St. Paul, MN and Panhia Lee,
16, Hmoobteen Editor, St. Paul, MN
CHAT’s 7th annual Hmong Arts and Music Festival was held on August
16th, 2008 at the Western Sculpture Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. It
was amazingly successful event. There were music, portraits, cake
designers, food, fashion, spoken word, games and performances.
Everyone learned a little history about contemporary Hmong culture
at the festival.
Kao Lee Thao
and paintings
The festival started out with the Hmongland parade walking
throughout the park. CHAT’s Art Saves Us puppet making class
made two puppets for the parade; a boy and a girl both wearing
Hmong clothes. Many models, students and volunteers wore traditional
clothes as they marched behind in celebration.
The most unique part about this years’ theme was the different interpretations
of the flags in the center of the park. Each different
flag represented a person’s definition of Hmongland; this year’s
theme. The flags were not the only interpretation of Hmongland,
there were several paintings by artists that came and showed their
work. The competitors at the Cakes by Fhoua competition also made
sure that all cakes followed the festival’s theme to participate.
CHAT had performances throughout the day. Some of the performers
were Bao Xiong and Gina Her, singing and rapping about how
we should learn how to love ourselves. Popper Razi performed and
stole many of sighs of admiration from the crowd. Qaib Dib Qeej
performed with lots of cool flips along with a traditional qeej performance
and Post Nomadic Syndrome performed with wonderful
lyrics about being equal and social justice. There were a number
of other musical artists that performed throughout the day on two
stages.
This year’s festival held the third annual InSession singer/song writer
competition. The competition was created to help find emerging
artists and musicians by helping them to create original music and
to broaden their horizon as a musician. The five finalists this year
are Sarah Yang, Tou M. Yang, Thomas Yang, Briana Heu, and Yer
Vang. Before the competition started Tousue Vang, last year’s winner,
performed with his band called A Day Forward. At the end
of the competition, the judges; Oskar Ly, Tousue Vang, Danny Her
and Alex Lubet announced that Sarah Yang is the winner of 2008’s
InSession competition!
We thank CHAT for holding this annual event. We had a wonderful
opportunity meeting our readers was well and hope to see you guys
there next year!
20 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Artworks
Cakes By Fhoua
Child’s Hart
Fresh Tradition
Hmongland Flags
Collaborative work by
Lisxeem Lis and Dr. Txhiaj Lis
Comedian Sai Vang
and Mai Lor Lee
Group performances
These are just some of the
MANY artists that were
there. Make sure that you
are there next year!
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 21

Poems
A Story of a Young Man
By Nhia Lee, HmoobTeen Editor, 17, Minneapolis, MN
There was this kid who use to reject himself from yesterday through the rainy days of sorrow.
You either accept him for who he is today or whom he’ll become tomorrow.
He always wish he had a second option and a new life to borrow.
He would reject his past crimes that he never wanted to follow.
He would reject the scar on his head and the past drugs he had to swallow.
But since he woke up from a miracle, life remains hollow.
He was noticed as brain damage throughout his future introductions.
It’s a miracle that he’s speaking and breathing after the concussion.
He would always talk to God and have his own little discussions.
He tried hard everyday to flow through the fires, wires, and conduction.
It’s a miracle that he survived through these past corruptions.
He was a broke-down wall being put back up on reconstruction.
He walked through the rainy days as if there was nothing to mention.
He talks through the microphone for himself and his people without wanting attention.
All he really wanted to do is prove the world wrong and gain redemption.
Even if his past life was torn.
He continues staring at the cloudy skies wondering why God created storms.
He looks and see his reflection of an angel with wings and a devil’s horn.
He became stronger every single day with these wings he worn.
Ever since the day he walked out of the hospital, he became reborn.
From yesterday to today, he noticed his character went through a huge transformation.
He noticed all the food in the world that couldn’t overeat starvation.
All the people who hated and loved him became part of his motivation.
His grandmother who rest in peace became an inspiration.
The dreams and goals ahead of him became a dedication
He runs away from the past but today he faces his hesitations.
He hid the words but today it’s been brought out through anticipation.
Even though some days remain a struggle.
He put the world on his shoulder and accepted his future and his past scars.
He wakes up in a middle of a highway walking past these upcoming cars and started to walk far.
He started to fly out to reach his dreams even if it was to reach mars.
Many people told him the skies the limit, I guess someday he’ll reach a star.
He leads the path through what he believes and work his way up indeed.
He used to walk on his knees and now he’s flowing with the air he breaths.
Others might think this kid is negative by the way his style greets.
He keeps a positive mind through what he needs to achieved.
He pushes through the weights and found a way to succeed.
This kid isn’t the best but he’s trying his best to stay mindfully free.
This Hmong teen in the story can relate to you, because he relates to me.
22 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Summer of
Lost Love
By Kani Yang, St. Paul, MN
Even though the sun is glowing in this late evening of May.
The sky appears darker each passing day.
I have been sitting here and waiting,
twirling my dark hair around my fingers and sitting beside the deck.
Couples passed by, hand in hand;
however, I was smiling happily more than anyone.
I have sought for something special,
but found and lost it.
The thunder has been roaring ferociously,
Ares has been in a tantrum, I suppose.
I have waited each passing day,
and you were nowhere in sight.
Maybe if I cook your favorite dish,
you may return to my side in the flick of an eye.
Impossible it may be,
But any possibility is good enough for me.
The scent of wind has changed.
It seems unfamiliar and sad.
I see myself in the mirror,
young, I may be, but old at heart.
Remember those days we used to laugh innocently
Will such a memory disappear
I feel I want to forget what cannot be forgotten,
but we, humans, can be unforgetful creatures.
Let’s just say it was a summer of lost love.
A summer in which the breeze once stopped in time to play
with the leaves dangling on the trees.
But as it is a breeze,
it must continue its journey.
As for the leaves,
it falls off and flows gently somewhere anew.
Leaves rot and leave its remains,
just as memories of a summer of lost love.
Memories are as light as a feather,
but ones heart is as hard as a stone.
You were once thought to be the key to unlock my heart.
But now, I am searching for a new key.
Summer is fading as if in it was just a distant dream,
yet it will always be precious to me.
Precious- what a funny word.
Even though the sun is setting down in this evening of May.
The sky seem brighter on my side of the world.
The ferocious thunder has stopped.
Aphrodite has been spreading joy, I suppose.
The scent of wind has changed again.
It seems familiar and carefree.
A new year has begun,
a new breeze has come to play with the leaves dangling on the trees.
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 23

Poems
I Am Hmong
ByStephanie Moua, 18, Lakeville, MN
Our roots lie deep down in the rich soil of the Laotian hills. Where our soul was once with the spirits
of the Earth. As we create quiet villages among whispering brooks and our suffering had made us
strong. Then came the war like the distant thunder, we awoke to the sounds of crying. Our babies,
our wives, and ourselves. A furious band of angry men tore down our villages, raped our women
and killed our children. We desperately departed our loving roots, escaping into the night and
into the jungles. Where there was starvation and brutality. The Mekong River swallowed our loved
ones. Babies could not cry or they would die. From here, our roots dangling weakly behind us. We
stumbled and fell and fought our way out. We waited and waited for our destiny.
One day, lots of giant metal birds came gliding into our lives and loaded our people into the cloudy
skies. As we are weeping, we climbed out of our world into your world, we felt more pain than ever.
Our culture, our life, our home was all destroyed. We hesitated to speak, we tried to relate, but our
children now grow their roots in a foreign soil. Yet we cannot shake the Laotian soil from our feet.
With new ways and new traditions, yet our soul still return to the Laos of our birth. For I am one of
those children who grew their roots in foreign soil. I am Hmong.
Untitled
By Noah Vang, Appleton, MN
Artwork by Moua Xiong, 16, St. Paul, MN
some say da youth is gone
and there’s no hope for da future
I say you’re wrong
it’s deep in da skin
like da sun in da sky
and what’s gone
is nearly polishing da eye
and I refuse to lose
feed in
and listen
to give in
and give up hope
cause truth is
when you give up hope
you fail to exist
and everything you know
and I know it’s hard
but I believe
da harder da struggle
da harder da blood
and it seems everything’s lost
and taking
and it’s in our hearts
to accept da truth
nothing’s gone
cause it lies in you
brew da truth
and nurture
and represent
love who you are
yellow genuine carved,
hmong
24 / HmoobTeen Fall 2008

Are you an ACCEPTOR
Or a REJECTOR
Quiz
Hey everyone, are you all ready for an exciting quiz Okay, okay maybe not exciting but FUN survey. Please take a few minute to answer
these questions and see how you do.
By Blia Vue, HmoobTeen Editor, 17, St. Paul, MN
1) It’s the first day of school, and you are eagerly looking forward to it.
Just then, as you were walking into your English class, you see your three
years long crush entering the same classroom. It’s such a coincidence
that you get to sit behind him/her too. What would you do next
A. Tap him/her on the back to get his/her attention and start a
conversation.
B. Talk loudly to your other friends, hoping that he’ll/she’ll
notice you.
C. Sit still, and just keep on staring and admiring his/her
beautiful back.
2) You just took a hard test yesterday and today you get to see your results.
You’re nervous and scared at the same time because you’ve stay up
all night talking on the phone with your boyfriend/girlfriend till 3 a.m.
and didn’t have enough time to study and sleep. You get the result back;
you score a 30/50, what’s your reaction to this
A. Promise yourself to never talk on the phone late anymore
and do better next time.
B. “Oh my gosh, I pass! I got 60%! That’s passing!”
C. Crimple up the test paper and do a basketball shoot at the
garbage can.
3) As you were walking home from a friend’s house, you happen to see
that a little kid who just walk pass you had dropped a twenty-dollar bill.
What would you do
A. Do the right thing. Pick up the money and give it back to the
little kid who dropped the money.
B. Wait for the kid to walk a little farther, pick up the bill, and
stuff it down your own pocket.
C. Walk pass it and pretend you didn’t see it.
4) Your best friend is moving out of state and won’t be coming back. You
have been friends for ten years and have done everything together. You
came to send her/him off, what do you do
A. Give her/him a hug and smile as she departs, even though you’re
sad inside.
B. Beg her/him not to go or else you’ll die without her/him.
C. Tell her/him you’re going to find a replacement immediately.
5) You and a friend were assigned a big project that will be due in two
days. You two have been best of friends since primary school. That night,
you two quarrel about what kind of experiment to do. You want to do an
experiment that relates to plants and your best friends wants to experiment
with food. You two couldn’t settle out the problem; therefore, stays
mad at each other. What would you do
A. Reconcile with each other and combine both ideas into one.
B. Remain mad at you partner and forget about the whole
project.
C. Forget about doing the project together and do it by yourself.
6) You accidentally overheard two of your classmates threatening and
bullying another classmate after school. Before thinking twice, you report
it to your teacher secretly and the two of them were suspended. You
later found out that the three of them were in theatre class together and
they were just rehearsing. What would you do
A. Go tell the teacher that it was all a misunderstanding and also
apologize to the group.
B. Forget about apologizing and just pretend that you weren’t involved
at all.
C. Do nothing.
7) You have been in a relationship for two years, and all of a suddenly you
started to see lots of changes in your partner. These changes in your partner
include more arguments for the smallest reasons and hitting. What
should you do
A. Forget about the whole two years relationship and breakup with
him/her.
B. Bear with the pain.
C. Try to adjust with the changes because your love for him/her is too
great.
8) You are different from the rest of the crowds, dress differently, eat
differently, and do things differently. One day, as you was walking home
from school, someone approaches you and ask you why you dress the
way you are. The comments were rude and mean. After that person
walks away, what would you do
A. Ignore the rude comments because it doesn’t matter what people
thinks, as long as you like yourself.
B. Turn back and confront the person who just talked to you rudely,
making sure that he/she knows that you won‘t let anyone make fun
of you.
C. Walk away quickly and change your ways of dressing.
ANSWER KEY:
Now that you are done answering the survey, please tally the scores and
see your results below. For every (A) answers you score 3 points, (B) is
2 points, and (C) is 1 point.
19-24
You’re totally an easy-going and a laid-back person. Your attitude is
positive and always caring. You care about others and also yourself.
You know when to change yourself in order to make yourself and others
happy is something great about you. You’re always accepting others and
yourself for who you are. People loves being around you, and making
new friends is never a problem for you. Everyone loves you.
13-18
You’re an easy-going person; changes are never a problem for you. At
times things may be hard to adjust but you’ll eventually get use to it. At
times, you’ll reject things that you believe aren’t good or not the right
things to do. But these rejections aren’t big problems, because you know
how to handle the consequences and you know what you’re doing. You
know how to handle your friendship obstacles.
9-14
You’re a cool person and at the same time a hard person to deal with.
You might have a lot of friends, but getting along with them is a problem
sometimes. It’s hard for you to make friends, because accepting others
is a bit of a problem for you. You’re more likely to reject than to accept
others for who they are. Others may not live up to your expectations;
therefore, friendships isn’t one of the best thing that you can handle.
8 and below
You’re totally a rejecter! You’re totally not open-minded or easy-going.
You’re always curious about everything and like things to be done the
way you like. You like taking charge and making decisions, whether others
like it or not. You’re too independent and cannot accept others’ opinions
or ideas. Once you’ve decided on something, you can never change
it. Making friends is hard for you and people don’t like to be around you
as much.
Fall 2008 HmoobTeen / 25

Comics
Comic by Kia Xiong, 16, Morganton, NC
Send in your comics! HmoobTeen will pay up to $25 for each!
26 / HmoobTeeN Fall 2008

What we
Second-hand smoking
Prejudice
P o l l u t i o n
Alcohol
Reject!
Summer 2008 HmoobTeen / 27