About five years ago, I went to an open mic bar for a poetry reading night. I was terrified at first because it was my first time sharing my English poetry with the perfect strangers. I was nervous while waiting, but as soon as I grabbed the microphone, I felt so empowering. I could hear my soft yet powerful voice echoing the whole room. It made me feel liberated just as how a prisoner would feel from being released from a confined cell for decades! Yesterday when I got up on stage to deliver my speech, I felt exactly the same the night I was up on stage reading my poetry. I didn’t have one ounce of nervousness in me, instead, I felt very comfortable with sharing my thought both in English and Vietnamese simultaneously without a note. I love delivering speeches since I was in college. Not having a voice when I was a child gave me so much joy for being able to speak to a group of people. I am happy and thankful for the ability to speak for those who have no voice. I'm forever thankful to my family and friends for being there for me at the book signing event. It was the best show I have ever seen. Thank to Cao Minh Hưng and Ngocbich Cao and the whole Vietnamese artist group who spent many hours to make the magnificent performances. My family and I were very impressed. Many thanks to Iris Nu Dinh for traveling a long distance to celebrate the event. I cannot thank you all enough for everything you have done! I used to be a lone traveler in the search for a voice, not only had I found my voice, I also found a new family and a group of good friends! I’ll be working harder in the years to come to make my voice heard around the world. No matter how successful I will become, I will always remember your love and friendships ❤️