Lucia's Appreciation
Above: Lucia painting a mural and sharing her creative spirit for the kindergarten school during her Citizen Diplomacy Trip.
"Since getting involved with PeaceTrees through their partnership with the University of Washington's study abroad program, I've had an incredible time exploring my own sense of identity and discussing cultural dysphoria as a Chinese, Vietnamese, and American pre-medicine student with like-minded peers. Growing up in the midwest, I've had few spaces to discuss war and healing in a safe, judgment free space, let alone even meet Vietnamese people outside of my family—yet with help from PeaceTrees, I've had more time to reflect on how displacement and war exposure impacts intergenerational health, and how I want to shape my career as a future physician. I can think of no better opportunity to expand my understanding of modern Vietnam, my identity, and my ideal career than through PeaceTree's Heritage Circle and the Heritage Citizen Diplomacy Trip."
- Lucia Jiang, 2024 Citizen Diplomat
