6 minute read | By: Dustin Khong
Photos: Maegan Castleton at the Natural History Museum of Utah
“Each family had their own unique perspective and journey, but it was a beautiful experience to see how at our core, we are all seeking the same things.”
There’s a certain magic that surrounds the process of creating a project, and even more so when it’s based on your personal passion. It’s a journey filled with inspiration, dedication, challenges, and triumphs. Every project begins with a spark of inspiration. It’s like a breath of fresh air that wakes up our spirits and sets the stage for what’s to come. For me, my inspiration came largely from the love my family has shown me and the grand amount of stories that were told to me growing up.
Though I may have been born and raised in Utah, my family and I are culturally Chinese and my parents’ crazy childhood stories started in their hometown in Vietnam and later where they eventually settled in Utah. My parents’ experience and my own has shown me how unique my family story is and how equally unique other first-generation family stories are as well.
My Family’s Diary is a story segment that’s part of Magnify Utah. It started from understanding that many families like mine might not have the chance to capture family photos because of endless responsibilities. It all began as a way to tell stories, but turned into a place for first-generation families to come together and share their unique stories. As a first-generation Asian American, I realized how important it is to be close and to capture memories of special times. I wanted to share this opportunity with families who might not have had the time or opportunity to share their stories and be photographed together.
My Family’s Diary elevates the voices of first-generation families living in Utah by providing a space to tell their stories of navigating American society and persevering in their own way. We wanted to emphasize that first-generation families are, first and foremost, a family who might also be seeking a sense of belonging within a community.
Creating a passion project is a rollercoaster ride filled with exciting highs and challenging lows. As I continued to spend time with these families and collaborate with them, it made every second worth it as we came together and created truly beautiful stories. As I met with each family, I asked them: “What is your story behind finding a new home?” “ What makes a home?” And, “What sort of hopeful messages would you share with other first-generation families in Utah?”
“Storytelling is powerful. I have had the pleasure of working with Dustin for the last several months and in helping him execute his vision, I have come to truly appreciate how shared stories and connections can transcend countries and cultures. Each family had their own unique perspective and journey, but it was a beautiful experience to see how at our core, we are all seeking the same things. Community, growth, and joy for ourselves and generations to come. Dustin’s care and utmost respect for each family’s dynamic story came through in every step in the process. I hope all first-generation families come to feel the welcoming spirit of Utah through these stories and have access to thriving opportunities.”
Claudia Loayza | Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs and Magnify Utah Program Manager
As I worked on this project, I made some truly wonderful discoveries. Even though the progress was sometimes slow, I learned to love the small things that make families close and consider how the everyday moments we take for granted are actually quite special. As this project journey has continued, I’ve been honored to have the help and support of so many partners and collaborators.
While I wasn’t a member of the families I talked to, I sat with them and learned. I learned that facing difficulties because you’re different can help you become stronger, that understanding yourself is key to loving yourself. I learned to be proud of who you are and to love your background. I also learned how much it matters to show my friends and family that I value the time we spend together. And I discovered that supporting the people I care about when they succeed can bring us closer as a family.
“It was our pleasure to work with Dustin and the team at the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs on this important project. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a place that showcases countless stories of the cultural and natural history of our region. We’re honored to have served as a welcoming place for first-generation families in this program to come together, spend time with one another, and capture a photo that will – for years to come – help tell the story of finding and establishing a new home in Utah.”
Chris Eisenberg, Deputy Director | Natural History Museum of Utah
To that, I want to thank my parents for providing me with the strength and passion to pursue my dreams. Thank you to the families for sharing their beautiful stories with me, the amazing organizations that connected us, the Natural History Museum of Utah for hosting us, Miriam Garcia from Holy Cross Ministries for her amazing interpretation work, and to my passionately supportive family at MCA. This would not have been possible without your support. Thank you!