Renegades | Vicky Nguyen Counts on Change

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, Vicky shares her own experience as a refugee through her memoir, Boat Baby

 

Welcome to Renegades, Gold House’s editorial series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way. This week’s Renegade is NBC News Daily Anchor, Senior Consumer Investigative Correspondent, and Author, Vicky Nguyen.

Vicky’s memoir, Boat Baby, chronicles the story of her family’s daring escape from communist Vietnam and her unlikely journey from refugee to reporter with laughter and fierce love. Order the book today!

We ask all our Renegades: What did you want to be growing up and how does that compare to where you are now?

I wanted to be a heart surgeon, then veterinarian, then sports medicine physical therapist and now I’m actually a network news anchor and correspondent. So I started out as many Asian American kids do–focused on a stable career in medicine–and wound up in a very creative albeit sometimes volatile career on TV!

Your memoir Boat Baby chronicles your family’s incredible journey from Vietnam to America. Can you share more about the pivotal moment that sparked your decision to write this book and tell your story?

I have always loved reading and deep down had a dream of writing down my family’s story at some point, to honor the incredible sacrifices and risks my parents made. I think the ability to go from being a boat baby refugee to broadcast journalist on NBC News in one generation is something that exemplifies what it means to grow up in America. My parents were both desperate and hopeful when they fled Communist Vietnam. And through their grit, resilience and the help of strangers along the way, we managed to make the most of our freedom and opportunities in America.

How did it feel to finally put your own story on paper, and what do you hope readers will take away from it?

It is an incredible honor and I’m in awe and wonder every day. I’m trying to soak in each new experience, each piece of feedback from readers, each moment of gratitude that I had this chance to write a BOOK! I hope readers laugh and love this book and share it with their friends and families. I think there are so many themes and experiences that connect us across language, culture, food, family and career and my book touches on all of that and reminds us of the shared experiences that shape us into who we are.

Growing up in a bicultural environment seems to have shaped much of your perspective. How did your Vietnamese heritage influence your identity as you navigated life in America?

I’m so grateful that I had a Vietnamese American upbringing. It was tough to be different and to move to a new school every year between Kindergarten and 5th grade, but it helped me learn how to adapt, make friends across a lot of groups, and get comfortable with the only thing in life that you can count on: change. My parents leaned on me and trusted me to interpret and be the expert on all things “America” and I think they gave me the room to grow and be independent and figure out the tough stuff. I looked different, I ate different food, I had parents who didn’t know all the customs of being an American kid like sleepovers, dating in middle school, talking about feelings. But they did the best they could with what they had and ultimately that was the foundation for my confidence navigating the ups and downs of life.

What is one thing about the Vietnam War you wish everyone knew?

I want people to know that Vietnam is an incredible country filled with optimistic and joyful people who welcome visitors from all over the world. Most Vietnamese are not defined by the war and the images that some Americans may associate with the country based on the history taught here. Vietnam and its people are a treasure. Go there and experience the culture, geography, food and see for yourself what Vietnam and the Vietnamese people are truly like.

Throughout your career, you’ve been open about facing stereotyping in journalism. How did your experiences growing up influence your ability to overcome these challenges in your professional life?

I think my parents gave me the blessing of never leading with identity. You can be proud of your heritage and culture but it’s not something you should fret about or blame when things don’t go your way. I’m sure being an Asian American woman has hurt me in my career and I’m certain it has helped me too. It is what it is. You can’t control your race, culture, gender etc. But you do have agency over your work ethic, how you treat people, how you show up every day at school or work or in your family. My parents led by that example and it has served me well.

The title of your book, Boat Baby, speaks to the challenges of being a refugee. In what ways has your immigrant experience influenced the way you approach storytelling and journalism?

I think about the great tapestry that has woven this country- the cultures, the languages, the different histories of all the people who make America great. So when I am reporting on any community, I let my curiosity lead. I ask questions, I am open to receiving information, and if I don’t agree, I ask more questions to better understand. My job is not to convince people of anything. It is to provide the best research and information and subject matter experts to tell a story that people can learn from to live their own best lives. I know my parents read and watched a lot of news to understand life in America so it’s a great privilege and responsibility to have this job.

You’ve achieved success in an industry where few Asian Americans have reached the level you have. What advice would you give to young Asian Americans who want to follow in your footsteps but are unsure where to start?

Go for it. Get into a newsroom. Do every internship. Be a try hard. Find people who will help you. Join organizations like the Asian American Journalists Association and Gold House and the Asian American Foundation. Persist and know that the work is hard but rewarding.

Lightning Round

Morning Routine: wake up 15 minutes before the car arrives to take me to the Today show. Brush my teeth. Put on the outfit I selected the night before. Make my coffee or mushroom tea and put it in my “Very Asian” reusable Yeti. Check emails and get going. If it’s not a Today show morning, I do all that and walk to the train station and get my steps in.

Favorite Memoir (that’s not yours!): Know My Name by Chanel Miller and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Can’t pick one.

Comfort Food: Pho, Thịt kho (caramelized pork) with rice, Cơm tấm (broken rice with fish sauce)

Favorite Vietnamese Phrase: đặc biệt It means “special”

Dream Vacation Destination: Africa. We hope to explore the incredible continent one day!