Up to this day, I cannot emphasize how one of the best spontaneous trips I've ever taken was to DC. It was that moment when I was so proud to be Hmong. I got to meet a handful of humble people who took me in as if I were no stranger. They took great care of my friend and me the whole weekend to make sure we got around safe and sound. Seriously, their house was my house. Not only that, but I enjoyed being in their company. It was such a positive atmosphere, where I learned so much about culture, history, and little things here and there. I miss it. I miss it, a lot. I got kind of sad knowing that my brother left that place.

The highlight of my weekend there was meeting Doualy Xaykaothao, a Hmong woman who works for NPR in SE Asia. She is my idol! It was so random to meet her. She has this charisma that I cannot explain. Sweet, humble, bubbly, social, smart, etc. She could spark up a conversation. Knowing how well-rounded she is, she never made anybody feel as if they were lower than she. She is living the life, waking up to a job that she loves, and being surrounded by cultural shock. 

I started thinking about all these other idols of mine (other than Beyonce)

Audrey Hepburn, UNICEF ambassador. Many girls like her because she is a fashion icon and is all over photos. It bothers me because I know many girls never watched her films other than "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and do not know about her UNICEF experience.

Anuradha Koirala, social activist in Nepal helping sex trafficking victims and also recognized as a CNN Hero in 2010.

Rebel. Think outside of the box. Get out of your comfort zone. Expand your horizon. Stand up for what you love. Strive for what you want. And be the change that you want to see.

“If you don't step out of your comfort zone and face your fears, the number of situations that make you uncomfortable will keep growing. ” Theo Pistorius