Throughout my life, I had only approached things with a systematic view. However, I am constantly villainized for it because that’s how current society is, full of individuals that define their existence by refusing to acknowledge certain logical reasonings that don’t fit their narrative. Instead of living as one system…

Suffering + Quiet = Award. This is one of the most bullshit equations passed down from generation to generation by minorities. I’ve never encountered a situation whereby laying low, somehow ended with me receiving an award. Instead, my constant proactiveness is what got me to USC. …

As minority races are integrated into the American system, the line that defines one own race begins to transcend beyond just skin color. It becomes about one’s involvement in their race’s culture, dialect, tradition, environment, etc., that determine the level of someone's race. As a result, words were created and…

The most notable part of “Your Average N-Word” is that it’s a reflection of my life. It portrays what it feels to be in a family that has already struggled so that people like Vershawn Ashanti Young, the author, and I could avoid the status our parents held, such as…

What made The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, the most well-known strategy book on conflict was its practicality even as time passed. It captured the essence of conflict and humans. For me, the book was my inspiration to overcome challenges and achieve success. However, I didn’t truly realize the…

“ I need a gaming chair cause I got back problems.” Hmmm. “ I need the iPhone 12 or people are gonna make fun of me.” Hmmmmm. “ I’d rather starve than eat school food.” Hmmmmmmm. What the difference between a privileged issue and a valid issue? If asked on…

Childish view on Communication Methods I would always denounce any communicative methods that didn’t align with speaking English, or “American” as I…vntran.medium.com Words that Transcend Time As an avid anime watcher and manga reader, I can say without a doubt that Violet Evergarden’s theme of understanding…vntran.medium.com The Bars that Block Understanding One of my biggest regrets is not learning the language of my race. As a second-generation Vietnamese American, many of…vntran.medium.com

One of my biggest regrets is not learning the language of my race. As a second-generation Vietnamese American, many of my living, older relatives within my family can only mostly speak Vietnamese. For that reason, my communication with loved ones, such as my grandparents, has, at best, been ambiguous, while…

A lot of what we can and can’t say is dictated by a social barrier. One of the most well-known social barriers plaguing men like myself is called “toxic masculinity.” Toxic masculinity represents all the negative impacts that the image of the traditional, stereotypical “ideal” male has inflicted on boys…