I have never been an MC.
And the first time… was in front of the entire Vietnamese community of the parish.
When I was invited, I hesitated.
Not because I’m busy.
But because of a question in my mind:
“Can I do it?”
I’m not an MC.
Not familiar with the stage.
No hosting experience.
But then, another feeling appeared — slight, but very clear: “This is my community.”
And I accepted.
Not because of confidence.
But because I want to help.
After accepting the invitation, I started learning… to be an MC
– Sit down and write each quote for each performance.
– Learn from the MC who co-hosts with you – where to stand, what part to say first, what to say,…
– Go to the organizing committee meeting, listen to people talk about the stage, sound, ao dai, and program order.
Details that I’ve never thought of before – but there’s a whole world behind a performance.
I realized this is not just an art show.
This is how Vietnamese people far from home preserve Tet, retain the Vietnamese language, and retain common memories.
– For children born in the US.
– For the next generation.
– And for ourselves.
Last night, when I stepped on stage, I didn’t think much about the fact that I was hosting the show.
I looked down at the auditorium and saw colorful ao dai, older aunts, uncles, and children running back and forth speaking Vietnamese mixed with English.
A very strange feeling – very Vietnamese, but in America.
And I realized that “My homeland is not only where I was born, but also where Vietnamese people still gather together.”
I’m not hosting like an MC.
But as a Vietnamese child, he is contributing a very small part so that Tet is still here.
In America.
Among our community.
Between people who may have never lived in Vietnam but still call each other compatriots.
And sometimes, the feeling of “belonging” does not come from the place of birth.
But coming from a place I choose to contribute to preserving.
If you too have ever had a moment when you felt like you truly belonged
– A community
– A place,
– Part of identity
I really want to hear your story. ❤️
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy
