Having pride in our culture comes from our home. My parents instilled the importance of always remembering who we are and especially where we came from. Even though our branches have grown bigger and in different places we still have the same root system as a foundation. As I've gotten older I have not been as engaging in the Lao community but that doesn't mean a person has forgotten their culture. I'll never forget because it's my identity and defines and shapes who I am no matter how "western"