Thien’s Story

Thien remembers Vietnam as a place where neighbors felt like family, where doors stayed open, and lives flowed together naturally. Childhood felt connected and alive, with every street and face familiar. When his family moved to Garland, the closeness felt different. In America, life seemed to move faster, relationships held at a distance, and that sense of belonging wasn’t as immediate.

Yet, as he settled into his new life, Thien found himself drawn to the small moments of community he encountered—especially through his church and the local Garland Vietnamese gatherings that reminded him of home. Graduating college was a milestone, and now, as he steps into adulthood, he’s made a commitment to carry his story forward, to build his own version of the American Dream. For Thien, it’s about finding success, but also staying true to his journey, even when it doesn’t look like the paths around him.

For more on Thien’s perspective and advice on embracing life’s path, watch his story.