Last Day of 2L

Yaaahh! Today, May 2nd, was the last day of instruction for my second year in law school. I still have finals- one on Sunday, one o n 5/15 and a final paper. But whatever- the end is here and soon, I will be working.

Hong and I are living in St. Paul again for the summer. I will be working at the same firm I worked at last summer. I'll be working from June 4-August 4. Then we fly back to CA on Aug. 11 until end of Aug. So- Cali folks- please let me know if you can hang out.

So much has happened this semester. The UW professor who made derogatory comments about Hmong people has not recanted his comments. As a law school, I think we ought to aim to have attys who will advocate for all their clients fairly and justly. His comments were said to a class of students who will most likely work in Wisconsin- the second state with the largest Hmong population. Given that, UW should aim to make sure that whatever their professors say are accurate. The major issue was that three female students (2 Hmong and 1 Cambodian) respectfully met with this professor to ask him to provide context to his statements but then, he basically dismissed them and fueled more fire by treating them like little girls with psychiatric problems. Clearly, we are in law school as adults, paying tuition for a service. The professor should have done what he knew he should have done which was to simply admit that he did not know SHIT about Hmong people and to at least provide context for why he made the comments he did. But he did not- and now we are where we are which is not very far....but of course, I am used to this kind of crap- even in CA- it's just that at least in CA- people don't hide their ignorance behind closed doors like in the midwest- I guess it is the midwest politeness and neighborliness thing- CA folks tend to say whatever- and I'd rather people do that so I know what they are thinking and can listen to them and respond in kind.

Anyways- that is the drama I faced this semester. If you want to learn more, simply google in "Kaplan- University of Wisconsin." You will obviously get the biased, sexy media perception but then you can ask me more about the insider perspective if you'd like. It is not about fighting justice or standing up for Hmong people. It is a complex racial and gender issue that plagues our society and I just wanted to let people know that people in positions of power cannot dismiss minority voices. I seriously considered transferring from UW. But I think Hong and I will finish out my last year in Wisconsin. I have made such awesome friends- friends who will be phenomenal attorneys. Plus, Hong and I know that we will not be settling down anytime soon so I know if we go back to CA, we will become too comfortable and not want to do anything. Plus our families in CA will probably encourage us to stay close- I know I would feel personally compelled to stay in CA. I will feel like my family NEEDS me when they must learn to be fine and probably are fine without me.

I plan to study in Vietnam this winter and Hong will be going also. I would like to study inter-ethnic couples in relation to marriage laws, citizenship laws, etc. If I don't get any domestic offers after law school, I will try to find an international job or federal job. There is just too much to visit and learn about. We may try to live in Europe or Southeast Asia for a few years.

There are lots of photos from this semester in the photo album labeled, "Aardvark." Check out the photos from our Vienna trip and law school Hmong Art Exhibit show.

I am excited to get my finals over with and to enjoy the St. Paul summer. Do come visit us in St. Paul- in July- the Hmong community throws a HUGANTIC soccer/sports tournament- almot like a Hmong Olympics. It is awesome and we can eat papaya salad all weekend.

Please keep in touch.

XOXO- Nancy (nanvue97@yahoo.com)

Comments

[Kalyn]

I know what you mean...i don't have much to say to stupid people except let them be stupid.

We look forward to seeing you and Hong this August.