While it might be challenging to maintain Khmer Buddhist culture in a predominant Mormon state like Utah, my family and I have held onto traditional Buddhist values by devoting time to buong suong (pray) and visiting the local watts (pagodas). Buddhism connects me with my culture and will always be an aspect of comfort and a symbol of home.
I’m currently a student at the [University of Utah] first and foremost. It is my greatest privilege. My personal and career aspirations are to acquire a juris doctorate and one day take my mother back to Cambodia.
Paedahni Dy, 26
Salt Lake City, UT
Photo by Manil Sieng
