I began this project during my junior year of undergraduate studies as an experiential exploration involving my family. Initially, I never anticipated its profound impact on my life or that it would lead me to pursue it further and expand its scope. My parents and two siblings came to America seeking the American dream, leaving behind a life marked by war and poverty. Growing up, I often resented my parents for not meeting my expectations and distanced myself from my language, culture, and traditions. This project has become a journey back to the roots that define who I am, driven by my parents' unwavering love and support. It is dedicated to them—a love letter from me as their daughter. With the scholarship money, I plan to visit my parents' homeland, a refugee camp in Thailand, to reconnect with and embrace my cultural heritage. This trip will deepen my understanding of my roots and inspire my creative work. Additionally, the scholarship will fund a trip for my parents around the United States, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of this country, something they missed while working to support us. I want to combine images and videos, creating large prints on various types of paper to evoke deep emotions and feelings. My goal is to exhibit this project in a gallery setting. Additionally, I aim to continue developing this project during graduate school, sharing my creative process and inspiring others through my work.
