Exploring Identity: The Struggle of a Vietnamese-American Voice

In a reflective piece published on October 27, 2025, Kaylee Nguyen, a sophomore from Pensacola, Florida, shares her complex relationship with her Vietnamese identity. Nguyen’s narrative reveals the challenges she faced growing up in a predominantly white area, where cultural connections felt elusive.

Nguyen highlights her early experiences in Pensacola, which, while home to several Vietnamese families, left her feeling isolated. Her parents, opting out of community events, inadvertently contributed to her sense of disconnection. The pressure to conform to cultural expectations created an internal struggle, leading her to question her belonging both within her ethnic community and in broader American society.

She recalls the judgment she experienced from both peers and elders, which fostered feelings of inadequacy. “The elders who whispered about how dark my skin got in the summer, the kids who made fun of how I couldn’t read Vietnamese,” she writes, emphasizing that the criticism was not solely about cultural identity but rather about an unspoken hierarchy of belonging.

Nguyen’s journey continued into her college years at Hopkins University, where the dynamics of cultural identity presented new challenges. At this institution, she observed clusters of East Asian and South Asian students, yet felt a persistent sense of not fitting into either group. Nguyen describes her interactions with fellow Vietnamese individuals as hesitant, as they navigate an unspoken fear of revealing their insecurities about cultural connectivity.

When asked about her background, Nguyen admits she often identifies as being from Florida first, before mentioning her Vietnamese heritage. This preference reflects her struggle to reconcile both aspects of her identity.

Writing about her experiences, she finds herself at a crossroads. Nguyen recognizes that while she has the desire to express her identity, her reflections often come out as fragmented. “I just have fragments: the smell of fish sauce clinging to my clothes, the sound of my parents speaking in half-English, half-Vietnamese,” she shares, illustrating the bittersweet nature of her experiences.

Her hesitation to embrace her Vietnamese identity fully stems from fear of misunderstanding. She worries that both her Vietnamese peers and American readers may perceive her narrative as one of ungratefulness or cultural detachment. This fear has led her to frequently distance herself from her heritage, even as she grapples with the desire to take pride in her roots.

Nguyen aspires to celebrate her Vietnamese identity, yearning to appreciate the richness of her culture. She admires the humor and resilience of Vietnamese people and recognizes the importance of language and tradition. Yet, her journey toward self-acceptance continues to be a work in progress.

In a world where cultural identity can often feel like a burden, Nguyen’s story resonates with many who share similar experiences of navigating dual identities. As she continues her work as a writer and editor for *The News-Letter*, she aims to connect with others who may struggle with their own identities, hoping to foster a sense of shared understanding through her creative expression.

Ultimately, Kaylee Nguyen’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding identity, belonging, and the universal longing for acceptance. As she learns to embrace her Vietnamese heritage, she hopes to share her journey with others, encouraging them to explore their own narratives and find pride in their cultural identities.