Originally published at http://bit.ly/jae-om
“I see Khmerican as a great representation of a generation of Khmers that want to make a difference. It’s encouraging and will definitely inspire others to reach out to those in their communities that want to showcase their cultures and people,” says Jae Om, a Virginia resident who works in the information technology and entertainment marketing sectors. Om is also currently pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism and has experience writing about entertainment news.
As an entrepreneur, a student, and a mother, it’s a wonder that Om has the drive to add yet another role to her list of duties—reporter for the Khmerican. However, it makes sense, given that she has a deep appreciation for her Cambodian heritage and the wisdom of her elders. She cites the local Cambodian New Year festivities as a joyful embrace of the culture, a solidarity with the Khmer community. Her parents are her personal heroes for what they survived through; their stories have helped her put her own struggles in perspective. She gives the older generation much credit for raising children to their traditional standards in a culture that in many ways runs to the contrary.
After arriving in the United States from Khao-I-Dang refugee camp at age 3, Om has spent her life on the east coast. “I’m only familiar with those here, and I must say, we need to step up as people and take ownership within our community. Cambodian Americans, in my opinion, are only proud when deemed necessary. Our youth are unaware of the history.”
Om herself would like to share her own knowledge of that history, having learned by taking the initiative and educating herself. But she also has an eye toward the future, wishing to establish herself as a journalist and continue learning about the culture.
“Working as a staff writer for the Khmerican, I hope to educate, inspire and motivate my fellow Cambodians and others alike to step up and make a difference in their communities.” Jae Om is our first representative in the mid Atlantic region.
EC
