Our stories began when our families left their homeland in search of a new home. Our stories are intertwined with the upheavals of our home country and of the world. Whether it was the path we chose or the road we were shown to , we went on to create new lives and make new relationships. 

Our new lives as immigrants consisted of many goodbyes and hellos; of leaving one place and greeting another.  Circumstances took us to new places with strange names but soon become familiar.  On these journeys and in these various locales we experienced many moments of happiness and sorrow, joy and regrets. These stories must be told. Stories of starting over and learning from failures. Stories of hard-earned successes and grateful blessings.

Stories of targeted hatred and kindness from strangers. Stories of finding new loves or reconnecting with old ones. These stories must be shared. Each story will be a brick that lays the foundation for the “Museum of Life Narratives” of the Viet Diaspora so that the subsequent generations will have a glimpse into our rich and diverse experiences of building new lives.

We are inviting each and everyone who has a story to share, either directly or through dictating to a family member, to participate in our Essay Writing Initiative. The purpose is not to find the best writers but to generate the most authentic voices and unique stories. We hope that this opportunity gives you a motivation to give light to the stories that are kept hidden in your heart. 

We are extending a special invitation to the younger Vietnamese and young adults to elicit these stories from your families so that you too, would become a contributor to this collective heritage.

Submission could be in English or Vietnamese as along as it has not been published in any forms including on social media. Photos are welcome if they are not copyrighted. 

All writers must be responsible for the content of their own story. By submitting the essays, the authors agree to share the copyright as well as allow their writing to be published in all platforms of Saigon Nho news media. Saigon Nho will not involve in nor assume any legal responsibility for any challenge over the content, copyright, or photos submitted. Please provide correct contact information including email address and phone number, which will be kept confidential, in order for us to contact you as needed.

The writing submission and essay contest is a year-long event. Submissions are accepted from 15th of July 2021 to 15th of July 2022. 

Each essay should be within 1,500 to 3,500 word limit and be submitted through email at [email protected]