As universities across the U.S. open this week, VOA-Lao takes a look at a young Lao-American student’s life, Parisa Souvannavong, who starts her college education at Virginia Commonwealth University this year.
Although born and raised in the U.S., Parisa or Pisa speaks her parents’ native language better than most Lao-American teenagers. She graduated in the top 5% of her class and is an excellent tennis player, winning 2nd place in her county’s tournament and receiving many other prizes.
The 17-year-old daughter of Phokham and Vannalack Souvannavong of Springdale, Maryland, says although she grew up in this country, she still would like to be Lao and to preserve her parents’ traditions and values.
Click on our audio file above to learn more about Parisa Souvannavong.