Making Waves

Paulina Douangpanya (profile) was born in Los Angeles, California on January 29, 1990. Currently, a senior at Hollywood High School, Paulina will be making history in the Miss Asia USA Cultural Pageant by representing Laos for the first time in the pageant's 20 year history. Linda (Paulina’s mom) and their family left Savannaket, Laos in 1978 as refugees and stayed at a refugee camp in Thailand for about 9 months. They arrived in Los Angeles, California in November Paulina Douangpanya of 1979, when Linda was only 7 years old. Their family was sponsored by an uncle to come to Los Angeles, California. Paulina grew up in a very large family unit, several aunts and uncles from both her parent's side (extended families are very common in Laotian culture). Her parents, being the youngest siblings always had the help, love, and support of their families in raising Paulina and her younger sister, Mercede, who is now 15 years old. Paulina always had many cousins to play with during her childhood. Growing up in a traditional Laotian family, Paulina loves Laotian foods and culture. At the age of 8, her parents decided to move to Indiana. It was really difficult for the entire family to move away from their close nit relatives after being around them for so long. They resided in a predominantly white neighborhood, where Paulina and her sister were literally the only Asians at the school. After a couple of months, they decided to move to Connecticut to live with her aunt and their family. Surprisingly, there was a big Laotian community outside of her own family. After a couple of years, her parents decided to move back to Los Angeles, where they are currently residing.

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Interviewby Laoville Staff

How did you become a delegate in the Miss Asia USA Pageant?
A: I was given the opportunity to become a delegate in the Miss Asia USA pageant when I was in the Miss Songkran USA pageant a couple of months ago. Thelma Pichon, who works for Miss Asia USA was there and had given me the opportunity. She contacted me the next day and I officially became the first Laotian candidate to be represented in Miss Asia USA.

How does it feel to be the first delegate representing Laos?
A: I feel really honored to be the first delegate representing Laos. I had never thought that I was actually going to make history and to be able to represent my culture and heritage in such an amazing way. It is quite an awesome feeling.

Who is your role model or idol? Why?
A: My role model is Condoleezza Rice (U.S. Secretary of State) because she defines empowerment, intelligence, and ambition and I think those qualities are very strong to have, especially in a male-dominated society. Her role in our nation has just inspired me to truly reach for my dreams.

What kind of music do you listen to?
A: I listen to a wide variety of music. I grew up listening to R&B and was a big fan of Toni Braxton and Usher ever since I was a little girl. I also enjoy alternative groups such as Nickelback and 3 Doors Down. I mainly enjoy soulful music that has a good meaning and a catchy tune.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I used to be a cheerleader for Hollywood High School, which was my main hobby. Since I am a senior and will not return next semester, I will truly miss wearing my cheer uniform. As for now, I am mainly focusing on finishing up my last year of high school and getting ready for college. But when I am not finishing up my senior final plans, I enjoy spending time with my friends and going out to different eateries as possible. Food is almost my passion and I love to try new food all the time. Since I am very close to my family, I love to spend time with them as well. I love Sundays because my aunts, uncles, and cousins would just hang out together at home and have a feast and laugh all day.

What do you have planned for the future?
A: Since I will be attending Mt. St. May's College (Private School) this fall, I have decided to major in English. After that, I plan on furthering my education at UCLA Law and study criminal justice, hopefully beginning my career as a criminal justice lawyer. As for other plans, I just hope the outcome of being a delegate for Miss Asia USA will help my generation and future generations in the Laotian community to keep in touch with their roots. Laos is filled with rich culture and should always be passed on. Being born and raised in America had made me fortunate enough to have the best of both worlds.

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