Dear Karenni Students Class of 2020

Dear Karenni Students Class of 2020

Try hard to think of your earliest memory of the refugee camp. Your neighborhood, your school, your house, your friends, your family, the list is endless. For each person the earliest memory is different. For some, the memory is content but for some there is pain. In between the content and the pain of the hearts, one thing in common is you had an idea of what the future holds for you. You knew because education taught you. Education taught you that the future is hopeless and limited. But you did not have a clear vision of that future because you only had an idea.

Fortunately, sacrifices and risk-taking gave you the chance to wear your cap and gown. Throughout the years, you faced academic and personal challenges. You wanted to give up and move on. You wanted to stop and wished for all to go away. When you came to those situations you paused. You heard your family speaking Karenni. You listen to how life is in the refugee camp. You remember how you lived your life in the refugee camp. You remember your parent’s sacrifice. After a moment of pause, you picked yourself up with all that you have left and pushed yourself to take one step for your future.

Achievements and successes came for you. The pride and applauses are heard from people who guided you, who supported you, and who gave their precious time just for you. Don’t forget the most important people that provided a bridge for you, gave up their water for you in the drought, and left extra rice for you in your bowl. Don’t forget your roots and the backbone of your background. Being a Karenni taught you to be humble, to respect everyone, and to have unity. Being a refugee taught you to take advantage of education, be open-minded to perspectives, and have high values to live by. Remember where you come from. Remember what drives your achievements and successes. The future you have is determined by who you are.

Try hard to think of your latest memory of the refugee camp. Your house, your neighborhood, the food stands, the goodbyes to families and friends, the gate, the ride out of the gate. For each person the last memory is different. The uniqueness of each memory makes each person’s future an individual. In your cap and gown, your future is not an idea. It is not hopeless or limited. Your future is a clear vision. A clear vision of choices that come with responsibilities. A clear vision of hope and the fulfillment of whom you choose to be for future generations to follow.

By Tay M.