Growing up
Growing up
Backpacks are constant reminders of childhood and growing up. Depending on who we are, our economic circumstances, our dreams and aspirations. Backpacks are the most ubiquitous and constant belonging throughout our lives. We shed our clothes and our skin, yet they remain the same. It weaves in hierarchies and tribes and are extensions of our personality.
Backpack
HMoob Inspired Dress
Journal
Schooling at HAPA (Hmong American Peace Academy)​
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“Because we were still a new school we didn’t have those resources to have teachers come and teach those certain classes. It does kind of suck in a way just because we’re very limited in classes that we could choose... especially preparing you for college or in college. But because I know some high schools, they offer human anatomy and then going to college you know if you would like biology."
- Hong Vang
Extracurricular Opportunities at HAPA
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“I think HAPA provided a lot in terms of more academic extracurriculars activities. I remember I participated in Model UN which was a course but at the same time we also spent time outside of class, being in afterschool to work on things, we also had street law where we go and participate in mock trials where we just act as lawyers.”
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- Shawn Yang
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“Most of the time our dancers are using their own money. They're working for their own money. They don't have the financial support...we just learn how to grow up on our own.”
- Sheng Xiong
Checked Bags
Boy Scout Uniform
Childhood Home Photographs
Soccer Photo & Note
Senior Photograph
Childhood Photo