National Endowment for the Arts

Author’s Statement

When I was really young, I told my mother, an immigrant from Vietnam, that when I grew up I wanted to be a doctor. Terrible mistake. You can imagine her disappointment since. Despite being a writer, I still don’t have the language to describe to my mother, who speaks very little English, what I do with my life. The closest I’ve been able to get, is telling her that I am part of a choir, which is ridiculous, because I have an awful singing voice, and she knows that.

I was lucky enough to discover my interest for poetry at a young age, but because of this, I was an awful student. All I cared about was writing poetry. So after barely graduating high school, I abstained from attending undergrad, and instead, pursued my study in poetry independently. I have worked many odd jobs while trying to sustain my life as a writer. I’ve been a dancing pizza mascot, a delivery boy, a barista in a psychiatric unit, and a haberdasher.

When I received the call from the NEA, I was actually taking a nap so I didn’t answer. It still feels a little unreal. Maybe I am still in my post-nap haze. As a poet who has chosen an untraditional path through poetry, receiving this fellowship, and being listed among friends and heroes, means a great deal. It is incredibly affirming. The fellowship will allow me to grant myself a work release as I continue my study, and obsession of poetry. Or, if it’s not too late, medical school.