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[edit] What acitivities would you like to do this semester?

[edit] About

Like many of our fellow VSAs, Brown VSA exists as an open space for all students at Brown to connect and to raise awareness of the issues pertinent to the Vietnamese/ Vietnamese American communities. The organization was built on notions of empowerment and liberation, modeled after Brown University’s unique Third World Center (TWC) that helps Brown students of color transition into college life.

Brown VSA, thus, emphasizes the need to define itself, rather than allowing itself to be defined by others. Following this concept of self-identification, Brown VSA hopes to not only empower its members but also free itself from the aversive effects of societal influences.

With the use of more unconventional methods of raising awareness, 2006 was a milestone year for Brown VSA. This entailed incorporating humor—since the Vietnamese are of course such natural comedians—as a means of demystifying stereotypes held against Vietnamese Americans. In this comedy show, stereotypes were purposefully exaggerated, acted out, and then discussed so that the audience better understood the message conveyed. The use of comedic skits allows us to reach a broader audience—for who wouldn’t prefer humorous, didactic skits to soporific lectures and presentations—and turn what was intended to shame into something that can used to educate and strengthened the community. In addition to the comedic skits, Brown VSA had recently expanded its use of art to raise awareness of important issues. In the past, Brown VSA had worked in conjunction with organizations such as NHA Magazine, RISD, and movie directors to celebrate the modern and changing Vietnamese culture in America. In 2006, Brown VSA introduced something new to its traditions—the Li Xi Charity Fashion show that brought a fusion of fashion, art, and music to tell the story of the Vietnamese American—or rather, the story of the evolving Vietnamese American. As a result of the huge success of Li Xi, we reinforced our long-standing stance against human trafficking, raising thousands of dollars for VietACT, and brought together not only Vietnamese but also non-Vietnamese students within and outside of the Brown community.

By tackling issues from these new angles, we learned something about ourselves that we had not addressed before. We realized that we are an emerging generation, the products of our parents’ successes [and failures]. We are emerging after a generation stricken by war, economic and political strife. We are emerging into a society that knows little more about Vietnam than what is credited from the “Vietnam War.”

Our generation carries a huge responsibility. We stand at the crossroads, where we must redefine ourselves to have relevance in society today while at the same time not lose hold of our roots. Brown VSA believes the need to highlight the forward movement not only of our culture but of our generation. We are hardly at a point to rest—the successes of the previous years should only serve as inspiration to further improve ourselves. With that said, Brown VSA is excited to form stronger unions with other VSAs. Together, we can incite a wave of change in this generation and inspire those who succeed us.

As we begin the new year together, Brown VSA would like to wish everyone a warm, “Chuc mung nam moi.” We cordially invite you to celebrate Li Xi with us on February 9, and will especially welcome those who bring li xi.

[edit] E-Board

Tan Van Nguyen: President
Email:Tan_Nguyen[at]brown.edu
Why did you join VSA:first to have fun, then to create fun
Favorite dish: canh cua'(crab soup), esp when it is cooked by my Mum.
Hobbies:playing soccer, dancing, hanging out and playing guitar.
The best part about VSA: regular socials, occasional meals with VSAers, mutual supports both within and outside the framework of VSA.

Quynh-Giao "QG" Nguyen: Vice President
Email:quynhgiao_nguyen[at]brown.edu
Favorite dish: SUSHIII
Hobbies: sleeping, singing, eating sushi
The best part about VSA:cuz i'm in it, of course

Lily Tran: Treasurer
Email: lily_tran[at]brown.edu
Why did you join VSA: I really wanted to reconnect with my Vietnamese heritage, and everyone in VSA is really cool
Favorite dish: Mi xao
Hobbies: Tennis, Mock Trialing, Debating, Reading
The best part about VSA: THE PEOPLE AND THE FOOD!!!!

Stephen Quach: Social Chair
Email:stephen_quach[at]brown.edu
Why did you join VSA: I joined VSA to meet people that I had things in common with, and to have a good time with friends.
Favorite dish:thit heo nuong
Hobbies:gaming, ballroom, partying, hanging out
The best about VSA:All the awesome people I've gotten to meet

Ngoc-Tran Vu: Community Chair
Email:ngoc-tran_vuat]brown.edu
Why did you join VSA: to have fun/be more Vietnamese
Favorite dish:this is hard...but Banh Cuon for now
Hobbies: thinking about life
The best part about VSA: the crazy people lol

Paul Tran: Secretary
Email:Paul_Tran[at]brown.edu
Why did you join VSA:It used to meet on Tuesday.
Favorite dish:Big Mac with chicken strips
Hobbies: VSA The best part about VSA: Because QG is in it.

Morgan Li: Webdesigner
Email:Morgan_li[at]brown.edu
Why did you join VSA: It's nice here.
Favorite dish: Odwallas and Nantucket Nectars
Hobbies:design
The best part about VSA:The people.

Freshmen Reps:Cherilyn Tran, Van Tu, Catherine Nguyen