Writer’s Mission
Torn between two identities, LI NA aches to share her experiences as a first-generation Hmong-American woman to the world. Her stories will not only highlight Hmong experiences but also “extra”-ordinary and life altering situations in her teenage years approaching her early twenties. Exploring a wide variety of concepts about love, loss, and loneliness, she hopes her stories will present themselves as a canvas for the reader to begin painting their own stories.
Hmoob Mekas Stories was created by a..
First Generation
Hmong - American
Woman
From the writer
“I’m here to tell of my own experiences and prompt conversations that should be talked about more often in the Hmong community. As a Hmong American, I strive to create a balance within the generations existing and the generations incoming including harmony with other ethnicities. I am but one person. We may not agree, but like seeds within one pod, we shall continue to coexist amongst each other for we are but one people.
I hear you and I am here for you.”
The Beginning of Hmoob Mekas Stories
It was a long process of figuring out what form of art I wanted to share my stories in. When I graduated with my Bachelors in English, I was holding onto a dream and a bunch of artistic skills that I didn’t know where to apply them to. Tech, modernization, and the art of storytelling has lead me here. Upon creating this website and looking back at some of my college essays that I’ve included in here, a part of me felt ashamed to tell of my own experiences. But, postgrad taught me that all of that didn’t matter. I believe what our community needs is to be raw and real. Sometimes, it could just so be that all of our problems are the same. Essentially, we just need to be heard. I created Hmoob Mekas Stories for that purpose.
OUR PARENTS PLANTED THE SEED. LET’S WATER IT.
Dream
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Build
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Grow
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Inspire
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Dream • Build • Grow • Inspire •
Gallery: Special Thanks to Mia Mor Photography
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Hmoob Xauv, Hmoob Nyiaj
My Hmong necklace and belt represents my culture. Carrying years of history with these artifactual assesories, I wear it with my suit. The intention is to show representation.
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Modern Suit
My suit represents my American roots of professionalism and education. This is what makes me most confident when I walk into a room full of scholars. The intention is to inspire.
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Light and Dark.
As a 1st Generation Hmong-American, we can be blinded to the opportunities in front of us. I’m here to encourage you to seek after those opportunities. Grasp it and it’s yours regardless of your identity or background.
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Lub Kawm, The Bamboo Backpack
The Bambook Backpack which mainly belongs to our ancestors carried our dreams. I honor it by replacing their labor with my books.
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English Books
English is my second language. Learning English while learning how to do life is a challenge that’s special to 1st Generation Hmong’s.
Make a donation.
I plan to keep Hmoob Mekas Stories a platform for our stories and also invest in merch for the future.
Paypal: @ LINAYANG1
Venmo: @LINAYANG1
Please reach out if you’d like to make a donation in another form or if you’d like to be a sponsor to my upcoming projects with Hmoob Mekas Stories.
Tell Us Your Tale
Share your story and illuminate the captivating experiences of being Hmong. This is a safe space for you to be heard. If you’d like to keep your story anonymous, please make a note or reach out to me directly on social media or email.