Originally posted at: http://blog.khmerican.com/post/8214166920/introducing-dahnie-tran
Dahnie Tran was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts. Growing up, she was exposed to the vibrant Khmer culture — from Sinn Sisamouth’s golden voice being heard in restaurants to the fragrant incense that wafted out of Buddhist temples nearby. It was a positive experience for her to be surrounded by many other Cambodians who shared the same passion as her, and she desired to extend what she experienced to other Khmer communities throughout America.
By the time Tran began Wellesley College in 2007, she made it her lifelong mission to unify and strengthen Khmer communities throughout America. “While most of my friends at school decided on studying abroad in developed nations such as France or Singapore, my heart was set on Cambodia where I knew I could never escape from even if I tried. That’s how strongly I felt about Srok Khmer,” said Tran.
She spent an entire summer in Cambodia, learning about the rich culture and riveting history of the developing country. Every day, she ventured out on her own to conduct interviews and informally talk to Cambodia’s locals—from the street “tuk tuk” driver to the rural rice paddy farmer.
“I asked them about the state of their country and most important, how they felt about it all,” said Tran.
After learning about their stories, Tran was so moved and inspired by them that she dedicated the rest of her college career focusing on Cambodian-related topics so as to expose as much of her country’s culture and history to those around her. Tran stands firmly behind Khmerican’s vision on connecting Khmer communities throughout the United States and beyond. “People will start talking then engaging in discussions with one another. Eventually, we will all be tighter, more cohesive Khmer community in America and even beyond!” said Tran.
Tran joins Khmerican as a staff reporter focusing on social issues and culture.
