05/27/2026
My journey!!
People often see the success before they see the struggle.
Many people see me today as a community leader. They see me dress nice, drive a nice car, own land, run organizations, and help the community. Some people think I have everything and that life came easy for me.
But the truth is… behind where I am today is a story full of struggle, sacrifice, pain, and hard work.
I grew up in a refugee camp. I was bullied because I was small, skinny, shy, and poor. People laughed at the way I looked and dressed. Those words hurt deeply, and I carried that pain for many years.
When my family came to America, we came with almost nothing. No English. No money. No understanding of the system or culture. I had to grow up fast and learn how to help my parents navigate life in a country that was completely different from everything we knew.
There were many nights I cried silently because I felt lost and overwhelmed. I struggled not only financially, but emotionally, mentally, and culturally too.
I also grew up helping care for my nonverbal disabled sister, and watching her get bullied hurt me deeply. Those experiences taught me compassion, patience, and strength.
Nothing I have today came easy.
I did not magically become successful overnight. I learned through experience, mistakes, sacrifice, sleepless nights, and never giving up. Even buying land or building organizations came with struggles and debt behind the scenes that people never see.
Just because I smile does not mean life is perfect. I smile because I choose gratitude. I choose positivity. I choose to keep moving forward no matter how hard life gets.
Over the years, people have criticized me, talked behind my back, bullied me, and accused me of things I did not do. But I learned that not every battle deserves my energy. I focused on growth instead of negativity.
Despite everything, I continued serving my community with passion and heart.
After many years in America, I became Executive Director of the Karenni Cultural Preservation Center (KCPC). One of our proudest moments was hosting the 143rd Karenni National Day in 2018, where nearly 2,000 people gathered together from across many states. Since then, KCPC has continued to grow and become a center for the Karenni American community in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
I may not have degrees or fancy titles behind my name, but I have passion, lived experience, and a heart that truly cares for people.
I am still learning. I am still struggling in many ways. But I am here, and I am not quitting.
I want to thank my parents, my family, my husband, my friends, my community, and everyone who stood beside me through the hard times and good times. Because of your love and support, I am where I am today.
If there is one thing I want people to remember from my story, it is this:
Please be kind to one another. Everyone is fighting battles you cannot see.
And no matter where you come from or how impossible life feels right now, never stop believing in yourself. Your story matters. Your struggles matter. Your dreams matter.
Thank you for listening to my story ❤️
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