Three years ago Binh Nguyen (pronounced Bin Whin) arrived in America from Vietnam. He could not speak English. He lacked a high school diploma, had very little money and no training to help him earn a living.
He also faced the challenge of learning American customs.Although he still faces many problems, Nguyen, 22, who arrived in Utah with his parents and nine brothers and sisters, has surmounted many hurdles and is working to overcome others.
The Salt Lake man has been named by Literacy Volunteers of America as its ESL (English as a Second Language) Student of the Year for 1992. He was presented the award at the group's recent national conference in Denver.
The refugee, whose family was sponsored by Catholic Community Services, came to the Literacy Volunteers of America/
Wasatch Front organization and was matched with veteran tutor Virginia Wells, who began to teach him English.
As he began to learn English, he secured a job in food packaging and later in food preparation near the Salt Lake International Airport and began attending Salt Lake Community High School at night. Nguyen also helps support his brothers and sisters. As a result of their combined efforts, the family is in the process of buying a home.
Literacy Volunteers officials say Nguyen has not only made efforts to improve his own situation and that of his family but has worked to contribute to the community. To express gratitude for the opportunity of learning English the refugee learned to use the organi-za-tion's computer lab and has taught other students to use it.
Also, he has helped lay carpet, set up bookcases and cleaned the learning center. He has helped resettle other Vietnamese refugees coming to America. He meets them at the airport, assists with their basic needs and serves as their interpreter. Additionally, he makes a monthly financial contribution to the center and serves on its board of trustees.
"Binh never wastes a minute. He is healthy, but sometimes his job requires that he put in 10- to 12-hour days. He is very people-oriented and wants to help others . . . He is a role model for many young American men. In two more years he will have completed his five-year residency requirements for citizenship. With his ability to speak English, Binh can get along in about any situation. I'm very proud of him as a person. His character shows through in all his achievements," Wells told the Deseret News.
Elaine Thatcher, director of the local Literacy Volunteers group, said Nguyen has been a big asset.
"He not only comes with great enthusiasm for learning English but has become a real advocate for other people in learning English. He brings in new students. He assists them when he can and serves as a member of our board," she said.
Wells said tutoring Nguyen and others in similar situations gives new dimensions to life.
"When you start to teach English and explain American customs, it makes you appreciate what we were given so freely. Binh is doing all the right things. He's taking advantage of what we can offer."
Nguyen's modest response:
"I feel very happy when I could learn English and get a good job. It is easy for me to do the things I want (when learning English). Three years ago I could not do that. I couldn't speak English at that time. Everything's going great. I got a job. Then I got a promotion on my job. I can go to school and talk with my teacher, communicate with all the students."