Valeria and her family migrated to the U.S. when she was about 14 years old and the transition to high school in the U.S. was a challenge. “It was very difficult for me to adapt; I didn’t think I would be able to. But I showed my parents, and especially myself, that their sacrifices have been worthwhile” Valeria shares in her video.

Naomí introduces her family and recounts her first experience of racism when one of her peers told her that she and her family were going to be deported. She emphasizes that her family’s love and support helps her confront challenges. She concludes that “Wherever my family is, that’s where my home is my love and my support.”

Jorge shares his experience of finding a mentor and friend who treated him like family and helped him navigate getting a license, buying a house, and living without fear. Jorge lost his license in a traffic stop, but his mentor helped him get it back. 

Lucero introduces viewers to her family and the values that she has learned from them. She speaks of respect, responsibility, teamwork, and honesty. Lucero discusses living in fear of being separated from her parents after the election of Donald Trump and how her close-knit family doubled down to support one another during this difficult time.

Luz Maria focuses on some of the hardships and barriers that Mexican immigrants face in the U.S. She explains that “Being here is not easy, you miss your family, friends and your freedom.” The video concludes with the passing of her grandfather, who she was not able to visit before he died or attend his funeral.

Francisco was born in Boone, NC, but at the age of 13 he moved back to Mexico with his mother, brother, and sister. In his video, Francisco recounts his various moves and reflects on some of the ways these moves have affected him and his family.

Richard shares his family’s journey from Laos to the United States. He talks about the difficulties of living in refugee camps in Thailand, and how his family ultimately settled down in western North Carolina.

Luz Maria recalls train trips from her childhood to visit her aunts, uncles and grandparents. The video includes visuals of some of the geography and regions of western Mexico and highlights sweet memories of her grandfather.

Kao’s story is told as a traditional Hmong folk song, or kwv txhiaj. Her song shares experiences of war, refuge, and relocation. She includes powerful images of her family in Laos, Thailand, and finally in North Carolina.

May’s story centers the strength and power of her grandmother and mother. May’s father was killed in the Vietnam War, and these powerful women served as important role models for May throughout her life.

Antonio is from Paracho, Michoacan in Mexico. His pride for his hometown and his family really shows in this video. We learn about his father’s work as a guitar maker and some of the traditions in this “pueblo mágico.”

Kay shares a fascinating story about finding a beautiful Hmong artifact online. The xauv is an intricate silver or aluminum necklace that the Hmong wear. The xauv dates back several centuries to when the Hmong were enslaved by the Chinese. 

Antonio’s video offers a critique of mainstream Mexican culture. He highlights the tensions between colonialism, internalized racism, and “honoring” indigenous peoples and roots. The video has a serious tone and touches on many aspects of Mexican history.

Houa discusses the rich, complex naming traditions in Hmong culture and describes some of the challenges in remembering the proper titles and ways to address different family members. Houa explains how clan membership and gender identity also play important roles in family naming traditions.

The rice fields of Laos are important memories for Hmong refugees. Xia Lor shares her new rice field in North Carolina with viewers.

Narida shares her story of coming to value her identity as a Hmong woman. She talks about overcoming her shame of speaking Hmong and how important it is to her now.

Jennifer recalls watching her mom do her makeup as she got ready for working the second shift. Her story explores memory, racial identity, and embracing her full self as a bicultural Hmong American woman.

Liliana’s story is told via a bilingual Where I’m From poem. She talks about her bicultural identity, celebrating her Mexican heritage, as well as her roots from growing up in North Carolina.

Becky always wanted to be a teacher. In her video, she shares some of her parents’ experiences as refugees and considers how her own childhood shapes her experience as an elementary school teacher.

Pedro was born in NC and has moved back and forth between the USA and Mexico. Although his family lives in two different countries, he focuses on the positives like being able to communicate regularly. His video focuses on his family and some of his favorite foods and musical artists.