The basics: Laura Vu is a senior at Clovis High School. Her parents, Tou and Kaying Vu, recently moved from Clovis to Fresno, but Laura chose to stay at Clovis High to continue her volunteer work and be with friends. One of seven children, Laura lives with her uncle's family on school nights to help her family save on gas money.
What she does: Laura, 17, volunteers more than an ice cream taste-taster. She is in Link Crew Leadership, a program where juniors and seniors mentor freshmen. She was a performer (guitar) and worker at the Asian Culture Show, a chance for students of Asian descent to build confidence in front of a crowd. She has mentored elementary-aged Hmong refugees and will help throw a Christmas party for Hmong elders in a local retirement home. She also organized a talent show for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Her current project is organizing the Clovis Unified School District's first Asian Achievement Seminar (Jan. 22 at Clovis High). "The idea," she says, "is to think of problems, like why American-Asian students are disconnected at school, and come up with solutions and present them to the school."
Why she does it: As the daughter of Hmong refugees, she wants to help others like her. "I've met hard-working Hmong students, but they don't have the confidence to take AP classes," Laura says, as an example. "Their reasons are like, 'I'm too stupid.' Well no, no you're not."
The turning point: Laura's parents have encouraged education since she was young. Without it, she was once told by her mother, who does custodial work, "Look where you'll end up. Like me. Having a hard time."
What others say: "She's not the kid who's the president of a club," says Chrissy Prandini, the Clovis High activities director. "She's involved because she just wants to help. She wants to make a difference."
Memorable moment:Laura once saw a Hmong student talked into taking the wrong class by a counselor, but he was too scared to approach the counselor again and get it changed.
Details, details: Laura and other students have found many speakers, but still are struggling to find sponsors for the upcoming Asian Achievement Seminar. The money is for food, T-shirts and mater.ials for the workshops.
How you can help: To be a speaker or sponsor for Clovis High's Asian Achievement Seminar, contact Chrissy Prandini at (559) 327-1332 or chrissyprandini@cusd.com.
— Matt James
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