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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Name 

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City State Zip 

___________________________________________ 

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. 


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. 


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.” 


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.” 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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. 


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! 


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! 


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. 


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. 


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 


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. 


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

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