AAPI Storytelling & Interview ( 3 )

May Lor Xiong’s parents faced unimaginable challenges when they fled from communism in 1979 after the Vietnam War. Their journey from Laos to Thailand, and eventually to America, was marked by hardship and danger. The human spirit, May believes, is akin to a floating vessel navigating a turbulent ocean, capable of both sinking and surviving.

May’s mother shared the profound experiences of their escape, delving into a poignant chapter from her past. Even years after they fled from Vietnam to Laos, they still found themselves ensnared in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Relentless bombings by Vietnamese soldiers compelled them to constantly shift from village to village, making life increasingly unsafe.

After enduring months of relentless turmoil, May’s family decided to flee to Thailand. Although the journey was dangerous, it was better than running and hiding. With a group of over 30 people, including May’s parents and relatives, they embarked on a journey into the unknown. Regrettably, due to his age and fragility, May’s grandfather chose not to join the risky escape and stayed behind.

Fearing Vietnamese soldiers, they traveled at night and rested during the day. Women, with baskets strapped to their backs, walked on foot, while men carried guns. Despite the inherent dangers, May’s mother, pregnant with her and carrying her little sister, along with her personal belongings, persevered. The nightly rains and lack of medicine took a toll, resulting in many children falling ill and perishing along the way.

In a particularly harrowing moment near the Thailand border, May’s mother almost fell 40 feet down a significant drop. Miraculously, she escaped unharmed. As they approached the border, the presence of soldiers heightened, prompting May’s father and a few men to leave May’s mother and female relatives to scout the area. Only 15 people remained in their group.

As the group anxiously awaited May’s father and the men to return, the voices of soldiers suddenly emerged. May’s mother and female relatives quickly hid in the jungle. Fortunately, the soldiers turned away, allowing the group to continue their journey. They pressed on until reaching the Mekong River, the longest river in Southeast Asia, renowned for its crocodiles and riverside tigers.

The challenges persisted as they confronted the daunting task of crossing the river. May’s mother, a non-swimmer unfamiliar with any swimming strokes, bravely faced her fear. The absence of information about her husband and male relatives intensified the sorrow and fear in their already precarious situation. Despite the uncertainty, May’s mother made a courageous decision to cross the river, driven by the determination to secure a better future and pave the way for the next generation to live the American dream.

Pregnant with May and carrying her sister on her back, May’s mother swam for miles across the formidable Mekong River from Laos to Thailand. Each mile seemed to stretch like an eternity, and the journey spanned numerous hours. Despite the relentless cold water sapping her energy, May’s mother persevered, her strength waning but determination prevailing. The journey appeared elusive, especially in the darkness with no stars shining. Yet, a dim light served as a benchmark, guiding her across the Mekong. As her feet finally touched the riverbed and the distant lights on the other side became tangible, the culmination of her resilience came to light.

Against all odds, they triumphed, safely arriving at Ban Vinai, the refugee camp in Thailand, although not everyone in their group shared the same fortune. May’s older sister grew increasingly ill, and at the camp where medical assistance was scarce, May’s mother could only craft a makeshift bed from grass for her daughter and pray for her recovery. However, tragedy struck, as May’s older sister succumbed to her illness just ten days before May was born in the refugee camp. Despite the profound sadness of losing a child, May’s mother, embodying the resilient spirit of a strong Asian woman, encouraged the other kids to be brave, stay positive, and strive for a better life.

May spent eight years in the refugee camp without access to formal education. When her family arrived in the United States, they initially stayed with relatives in an old apartment. On her first day of school, her mother walked her down the block to the bus stop. Uncertain about what awaited her, May questioned her mother if she would ever come back home. Her mother reassured her, promising that she would return on the same bus.

The early years of May’s school life was a haze, centered more on survival than anything else. Unfamiliar with the food, culture, and language, May and her siblings, displaying remarkable resilience as both children and students, confronted the challenges of adaptation and the acquisition of literacy skills. Their parents instilled in them the conviction that education is the key to success. All of them, including her five brothers and six sisters, remained in school and got a college degree — a principle firmly ingrained in their upbringing.

Each night, in their North Minneapolis home, the family gathered to tackle their homework after dinner. They cleared the dining table, and May, along with her siblings, sat down to work on their assignments. Even on nights without formal homework, their parents insisted that the kids read books, believing in the transformative power of education for their future. Their unwavering commitment to education bore fruit as May pursued her studies, ultimately earning her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University in Minnesota.

Embarking on her professional journey as an interpreter, May transitioned to teaching and became a licensed ESL teacher at the age of 22. Working closely with immigrant students, she felt a deep calling to assist them in navigating school challenges. With over 20 years of experience teaching ESL, she has interacted with diverse ethnic groups, finding the most rewarding aspect in helping students with zero English proficiency. May put herself in their shoes and created a safe and encouraging environment, reassuring students to learn and grow.

Witnessing the progression of students from broken English to fluency was truly gratifying for May. Recognizing the need to advocate for families similar to her own, May Lor Xiong, who grew up with public education, persisted in working in challenging neighborhoods. She intimately understood the struggles faced by both students and teachers, particularly when parents arrived in America, unable to seek stable employment to support their families. Over the past 20 years, she has devoted herself to teaching English to immigrant students in the St. Paul Public School District, empowering them to pursue their American dreams.

Appreciative of the opportunities granted to her in this country, May Lor Xiong has successfully lived the American dream and raised her four children. May became a mother of four, and both of her sons went on to serve in the Navy and National Guard, demonstrating a commitment to defend their home.

In addition to her roles as a mother and educator, May is a business entrepreneur and a community leader. During her free time, she actively engages with various communities and organizations, where she mentors both young children and adults, making a positive impact on those around her. May truly embodies the spirit of a dedicated and multifaceted individual, contributing to the betterment of her community and the lives of those she serves.

Currently, May Lor Xiong is a candidate running for CD4 Congress with the aspiration of bringing about change and enhancing the lives of immigrants. In Washington D.C., no one possesses the same depth of experience and understanding of the hardships faced by immigrants as May. Her goal is to amplify the voices of immigrant families, akin to her own, ensuring that they are heard and represented in Washington, D.C.