As an Asian American Pacific Islander born in Bhutan in the early 1990s, my personal narrative is marked by a journey that has required me to overcome numerous challenges, obstacles, and adversities. My family and I were exiled from our home country due to political unrest when I was just two years old. We had to flee to a refugee camp in Nepal, where we faced daily struggles to access basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare.

But even during those difficult times, I learned the value of hard work and determination. Through education, I was able to rise above my circumstances and pursue a degree in Computer Science. Yet even as I was making strides in my academic pursuits, I encountered additional hardships when I joined the US Army as a combat engineer. The rigors of basic training, followed by deployments to Afghanistan and South Korea, tested my resilience and pushed me to the limit.

Throughout it all, I remained steadfast in my commitment to persevere and succeed. Even after completing my active duty, I continued to serve as a reserve in the army while completing my degree and dedicating myself to community and social work.

Being an Asian American means that my identity is shaped by my cultural heritage, my experiences as a refugee and immigrant, and my commitment to achieving success in the face of adversity. It involves recognizing and celebrating the diversity and richness of Asian cultures while acknowledging the unique challenges and struggles that come with being a minority in the United States.

Through my work as a real estate agent and my involvement in community and social work, I continue to embrace my identity as an Asian American and strive to empower others to overcome their own challenges and obstacles. My story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and hard work in overcoming adversity and achieving success.

"From exile to excellence, my journey as an Asian American has been defined by resilience, hard work, and a commitment to overcoming adversity and empowering others to do the same."