MBK's Vicky Nguyen Verits 'Love Letter' to America

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Vicky Nguyen's immigrant story was not frequently discussed in her family and was considered a "given reality."  

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Her memoir, Boat Baby, narrates her journey from Vietnam to America, highlighting her family's immigration experience.

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Nguyen's family fled Vietnam in 1979 in a small rowboat with the help of a smuggler, carrying minimal belongings and gold for potential robbers. 

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They reached Malaysia and stayed in a refugee camp for 10 months before being sponsored by two American couples through Holt International.  

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Years later, Nguyen introduced her family's sponsors to NBC's TODAY show anchors as a tribute to their generosity.

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Growing up in America, she faced racism and struggled with identity, being one of the few Asian students at her school. 

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