Rick left Vietnam at 12 years old with his sister on a small fishing boat crammed with other people well beyond its maximum capacity. The danger he and his sister were facing was enough for his mother to put them on this boat without her in hopes that they would find safety elsewhere.
Not knowing where he would and his sister would end up, imminent danger awaited at sea as he sailed further and further away from his home. His voyage would become a daunting tale of survival. Through his harrowing experience where he saw and experienced things no one should, especially as a child, Rick saw liberty. He had an altruistic vision to become a contributor to society and a pillar in the American workforce.
Rick’s bravery and ability to see the positive in his survival story shows the determination of what it means to be an immigrant in America. Rick was given no other option but to survive and found that taking risks brought him to where he is today.