As human beings, we have many ways to express our feelings and obstacles, either verbally or physically. Other species do not. Plants don't speak but silently make progress; they strongly grow despite the weather, dandelion flowers are an example. These plants are considered ageless weeds that grow throughout California. They appear everywhere. Not everyone likes them, nor do I, but one day I look at them and wonder how they can survive without nagging even when environmental conditions don't support them. Just standing and watching their growth is enough for me to realize there are things for me to learn from—their flexibility and intense vitality. For that reason, I borrowed dandelion’s image to represent my story.

In my video, beautiful flowers represent people around me, the innocent and happy dandelion starting to grow on their plot is me, and severe weathers (dense dark clouds, muggy, rainy, or droughty) symbolize any challenges that come to my life. People spend time and days taking care of their roses and waiting for them to grow, but how many people do so to dandelions? I would hate those roses because they receive all good things: sunlight (a symbol of support in life), soft soil full of nutrients, and attention from humans. They mainly depend on these factors to grow well. Being a dandelion in the world of roses is not easy. I am not accepted and have to deal with everything in this materialistic life, alone, no support or care from the humans. A weed can’t stay on the same ground as a rose. However, I managed through those difficulties in silence. Even when the sun forgets to rise on me, I still grow strong. I welcome all flowers to grow on my field because they deserve to survive on this Earth.

I recalled about seven years ago, when my family first migrated to the US from a rural area in Vietnam, I thought we could assimilate into a new culture and received lots of welcoming from my relatives. In fact, I dreamed too much. Although we are relatives, money will determine our closeness no matter what. If my family didn't work for them and do what they told us to, they would treat us as strangers sheltering in their houses. Living with them for almost a year, they asked my family to move out. Despite that, my biggest challenge was not the betrayal of loved ones, but the language barrier and mental impacts. I had a hard time adapting with this new environment. I had bad experiences at my high school here in the US. I looked like an idiot wearing thick glasses walking alone around the school. They judged me as unintelligent because I only nodded my head and smiled, not worth being their friend. I hoped the teachers there would help me at least solve this problem but some of them were even more racists.

I would rather be bullied physically than mentally, it was the worst experience. This happens when it comes to body shaming. I have skin problems; my face has several large pores and black heads. It is nothing until boils appear under my bikini area, underarms, shoulders and chest. They appear every month, get swollen, have a bad odor, and leave scars on my skin. It’s seriously irritating me, I can’t move normally. Then they looked at me and disgusted me. My doctor said I inherited from my dad and they can't help but give me some gel medicines to put on. People didn't understand and their words were just like knives cutting deep inside me. I learned that not only social status but appearance does also matter in society.

If the universe gives me challenges, I am willing to accept and cope with them. As a low income student, I save up the money that I earned from my part-time job and community college’s scholarships so that I can buy class materials without asking my parents. To take care of my skin issue, my mom taught me to use rice water to wash my face daily, and it indeed works. I switch to a daily healthy routine, eat more healthy meals and practice personal hygiene. I improve my English skill mostly by watching news, reading books, and communicating with native speakers. Now that I can talk and understand what people say; it isn’t the best but still better than before. After many things, I built more self-confidence, resilience, adaptability and flexibility. I am a survivor and warrior. I am a strong dandelion.

Disclaimer: Many storytellers here shared vulnerable experiences, which might be triggering to some. Please see below for resources.

• UCSD Students: CAPS, Health Promotion Services, your College Deans of Student Affairs, Campus Community Centers.

• UCSD Faculty and staff: Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, Staff Affiliate Groups, Work/Life Health & Wellness

• UCSD All: CARE at SARC,

• Anti-Racism Resources - Student Affairs and EDI

• Community: RAINN, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, NEDA, Up2SD