Theresa Yang - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

In this dissertation, I examined the educational and life experiences of 13 first-generation Hmon... more In this dissertation, I examined the educational and life experiences of 13 first-generation Hmong women and how their lived experiences impacted their earlier education experiences as well as their post-secondary educational choices and their children's educational pathways. Drawing from a qualitative, narrative analysis approach to explore which educational practices support young immigrant women, this study highlights the determination and resilience in firstgeneration Hmong women's lives by revealing the oppression and invisibility they faced. Through utilizing a life history approach with 13 Hmong women, this dissertation focused on three first-generation Hmong women's complete life histories to examine the role schooling, family, and culture have played in achieving academic success. This dissertation advances three main arguments: 1) the construct of intersectionality is useful for examining first-generation Hmong women's complex identities, their wellbeing, and educational trajectories; 2) the model minority myth (MMM) was experienced by these women in schools, and their gender further exacerbated the educational challenges they faced; and 3) patriarchal aspects of some Hmong cultural values and practices have created a feeling of oppression and the need to prove one's worth for some Hmong women. As such, this study reveals the struggles these first-generation Hmong women encountered, the lack of support they received educationally and culturally, the significant educational and life achievements they created for themselves by drawing on communal and individual sources of encouragement, and the power of teachers and educational systems to either support or hinder wellbeing for young immigrant women. "So many people have touched my heart and made an impact on my world. I'm thankful for every lesson and learning experience."-Bindi Irwin No amount of thank you's will ever be enough to express the gratitude I have for the multitude of people that have supported me, pushed me, inspired me, and lifted me while on my educational journey. Without these people, I would not be where I am today. First, I want to acknowledge and thank my family. To my parents, Walter and Lou, for all that you have given to my siblings and me, guiding, protecting, and wanting the best for us in a land that was foreign to you. You both sacrificed and endured so much and for that, I am eternally grateful. To my siblings, Vickie, Chris, and Shawn, for your love, encouragement, and support. Although we are miles apart, when we do come together, the laughter and joy that we and our families have together fill my heart. And finally, with much love to the four people who are my life, my husband, Adam, and my three children, Alex, Aaron, and Audrey. To Adam, for always believing in me and seeing the best in me, supporting me in the things I want to do, encouraging me to speak my mind, and for loving me for who I am. To Alex, Aaron, and Audrey, for always making me want to be a better version of myself and for the love and laughter you have filled my life with. I am who I am because of all of you-thank you! To my incredible dissertation committee, Dr. Laura Wangsness Willemsen, Advisor and Chair, who helped me organize and frame my dissertation from beginning to end, continuously supported and guided me by answering my never ending questions whether through text, phone, or email, and for being the best mentor anyone could ask for-thank you; Dr. Acacia Nikoi, committee member, who helped me work through my Chapter 2 and has added a valuable perspective as a member of my dissertation committee-thank you; and Dr. Sally Baas, who has encouraged and supported me by meeting with me and talking about my study and shared her v own work in the Hmong community with me-thank you. You were all invaluable to my success and I could not have asked for a better team. Also, to Joel Bisser, the Writing and Academic Outreach Coordinator at Concordia, who volunteered to read my dissertation from beginning to end, took the time and effort to analyze my dissertation and provided thoughtful feedback to make my writing better and more precise-thank you. To my dear friends, Kelley, Amy, Lisa, and MaiNhia, for your endless words of support and encouragement, your interest in my dissertation journey, listening to my rantings and helping me make sense of things, but most importantly, for loving and accepting me with all my flaws. I thank you deeply. To Jessica, the best friend I had growing up, who saved me without even knowing it and did not judge but accepted me for me. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without you and your family-you became that second family to me. I cherish the memories, laughter, tears, and happiness shared, your support and encouragement even when I moved, and for always being there for me-thank you. To my teachers, my role models, Mrs. Reddin, Mrs. Condon, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Mackenzie, and Mrs. Bickley, who believed in me, in my potential and made me believe in myself, who saw something other than just a Hmong girl, who took the time to say, "You're smart. You're beautiful. You can be anything you want to be." Because of you, I am a teacher, hoping to make the same impact you made on me. You helped change my path in life and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To Diana, for embarking on this journey with me, for our walks and talks that turned to brunch and talks, for your friendship and support-thank you. To my Concordia Cohort D124, for being on this journey together, the Blackboard discussion posts and responses, the teamwork, reading papers and literature reviews, and the engaging online classes-thank you. vi Finally, with much gratitude to my 13 participants, for your willingness to be a part of my study, sharing your extraordinary stories with me, being open, honest, and vulnerable. You are a source of inspiration-thank you. And to all of the family members, friends, and people who I could not mention here but have been just as important to my journey, thank you. vii Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my Mom, my sister, Vickie, my daughter, Audrey, and all the young Hmong women trying to find their voice and identities in a complex society. You have so much to offer this world, are full of potential, and can achieve whatever you set out to do. May you find your voice to chart your own destiny, bounded by no limitations and constraints. viii