My Why.
I ran for Teton County School District #1 Board of Trustees because of Mr. Priest.
Mr. Priest was my High School AP math teacher and was one of many teachers that made a difference in my life. He had a raspy voice, a warm smile, and a sly sense of humor. His students loved him. My friends even created a rap group named after him called “The Priestie Boys.” He challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me grow in ways that were different than what my mom or coaches could do. It was almost magical.
We are fortunate to have so many wonderful teachers in our District just like Mr. Priest. As a School Board Trustee, I will work hard to support our teachers so that they can create a supportive learning environment for ALL kids in the District, regardless of their income, location, native language, or ability.
Where are you from?
I get that question a lot. I know you don’t expect to hear “Missouri,” and what you are really curious about is my race. Here is the answer:
My father grew up in a small village in northern Vietnam where he witnessed the communist infiltration and rise to power after World War II. Despite living in a war-torn country, he studied French, Latin, and the sciences at a French high school. In 1949 at the age of 18, he left Vietnam to study in Rome and became a Catholic priest, scholar, and professor. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1967 and left the priesthood to marry my mom in 1970. My mom, the daughter of a U.S. Navy officer, grew up all across the U.S. and met my dad while attending the College of William and Mary in Virginia. My parents settled in Rolla, Missouri, where my dad taught physics and chemistry at the university and where I was born.
When I was 9-years old, my dad passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at the young age of 49, leaving my mom alone to raise seven children and run a growing fireplace manufacturing business that my dad has started just two years earlier. As the oldest, I grew up fast to help my mom. I cared for my 9-month-old baby brother. I didn’t fight with my younger brothers and sisters because I was now the referee. I did a LOT of dishes. I started working as soon as I was old enough so I could help support myself and my family.
Although this experience was painful, it taught me how to work hard, be a leader, and take on responsibility. I will use this same amount of dedication, hard work, and leadership in my role as School Board Trustee.