Phùng Dương

Trung Hoc - Santa Clara, California

As a Vietnamese immigrant, I had witness many struggles that my family have to overcome. Because of that, I had understood that education is the only way to pull my family out of disparity.

After joining Youth and Government, I had discovered my passion for law and the legal system in America. I had a chance to meet with the justices from the appellate court and many lawyers across California. They had inspired me follow my goals of becoming a lawyer and my dream of becoming a judge in the appellate court.

Having a brother who had trouble with the laws, I found it was difficult to find a Vietnamese lawyer. Being the only child that knows most about laws, I had been spoken for the behalf of my parents. I can’t bear to see my parents mumble English every time they went to search for a lawyer. Because of that, I become conscious about our vulnerability as a community toward the laws. I determine to become a lawyer to give the people like my parents the accessibility to the laws.

Even though, the U.S. is a diverse country but there are still some major issue of discrimination toward immigrant and minority. I strongly believe it was unfair to limit the access to the laws for the minority. I strongly believe as a democratic country every citizen should be protecting by the laws. My goal of becoming a well educated Vietnamese lawyer will help the community from the unjust and discrimination from the majority in America.

Likewise, I was inspired by many justices from different area in California. Because of classes that I take had been involved with law writing, it had helped me to reading many different cases in the appellate court. I had long to admire the justices style of writing and decision toward complicated cases. Since American people rarely see an Asian American to become a judge in the court of law. I dream to have an opportunity to run the justice position and serve the community more effectively. I want to be part of the first Vietnamese American to become a justice in an appellate court of California.

In brief, my goal and dream had been part of my educational and personal experience. I understood of being the second Vietnamese immigrant generation, I had the responsibility to improve the face of the Vietnamese community in America. By setting goal to become a lawyer, I could fight for the unjust and bring justice to the Vietnamese minority community. I believe that dream does come true as long as you put your heart and mind in it. And I’m definitely believed that I will become the next Vietnamese American justice in the California appellate court.