C.W. Post Graduating Senior Takes a Unique Journey Toward an American Education
Soukhy Rasasack Luz will graduate from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University on May 9, 2004 with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Health Care Administration. Here is her personal story.

"My Personal Journey in America"

by Soukhy Rasasack Luz

As a young girl from war-torn Laos, I never would have imagined that I would be here today completing my Masters in Health Care Administration at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. This upcoming degree means so much more to me than I can ever explain.

I am one of four children in my family - the only girl and the youngest sibling of three brothers. My father, Salath Rasasack, served as a Laotian official from 1965-1976. He was police commissioner for the Royal Government of Laos, then was elected as deputy to the National Assembly, and later assigned as Minister to the two-party Coalition Assembly. My father was very outspoken on his beliefs against the Communist Regime and their ways. My father was summoned to a meeting in Luangphrabang, Laos with the Assembly when he disappeared in 1975. It was later learned through second hand information that my father was in a political/concentration camp near the border of Laos. We did not hear from my father for the next three years.

The concentration camp originally had 26 prisoners. They were put in an underground cage with no chance to escape. My father was a political prisoner for approximately 16 years.

As we had feared that we too will be put in the same concentration camp like my father, my mother encouraged my oldest brother, Salysanh who was about 15 years of age to escape. My brother escaped to Thailand by swimming across the Mekong River. Later, my second brother, Souksanh soon followed him to Thailand. My mother, my third brother, Sacksith and myself escaped Laos in the middle of night to get to safety in Thailand.

We lived in a hut in the refugee camp in Thailand for many months until my uncle, who was once Ambassador of Laos, sponsored us to America. My mother planned our escape by bribing a couple of men to get us on a boat to Thailand. I was approximately 4 years of age. This journey to America will forever be embedded in my heart and soul.

We settled in Memphis, TN along with my grandfather, Phaya Tha Manibod who was once Chief Justice and Former Governor of Laos. My mother, who will forever be my hero, raised four children without any English skills. She worked odd jobs to make ends meet. At different times in my life, she would hold two jobs while raising her family. Money was very tight. She taught me through her many sacrifices, her love, support, her determination, to always be strong, to be compassionate, and to always follow my dream. Her courage to escape Laos on her own provided me such a strong foundation.

One MAJOR THING my mother has taught me is to always be grateful for my Life in America, the vast opportunities that are in America. That I should never forget how America opened its door to many that have been displaced from their homelands due to persecution. She taught me to give back to the community whenever opportunities open its doors. My mother taught me to not only Love but also to Embrace America. For these reasons, and many more, this great nation of America, our AMERICAN SOLDIERS (as we all know, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE) and this particular degree is so meaningful to the Rasasack Family.

My father was released from prison around May 1991. It was learned that Amnesty International negotiated his release. My oldest brother worked diligently along with his boss, Ms. Tisdale, and the Governor of TN, Don Sundquist, and Former City Councilman, A.C. Alissandratos, (Memphis) to expedite my father’s arrival in Memphis, TN. My family, supporters, and the Laotian community-over 150 people greeted my father on his arrival on November 13, 1991. My father arrived in America three days before my 20th birthday.

My father became an official Citizen of the United States in the year 2000. He will now live to see me walk across the stage during the commencement on March 9, 2004 at Long Island University. It will be his first visit to New York. I have shared with my family how touched I am by my experiences here at Long Island University, especially the many wonderful and caring professors, my advisor, and the fellow students, who have graced my life. I can now add another chapter in my journey in America. I personally thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my life with you.