In late April, I attended the United Khmer Students’ Culture Night, or UKSCN, in support of two friends. One was the assistant director; the other, a lead actor. Both with months of hard work and dedication behind them. Both with a passion for the production.
The play followed a Khmer-American pop-idol and her marriage into a wealthy lineage gone awry. When a power struggle ends in a murder mystery overnight, the two families must confront a class divide larger than themselves, as well as the consequences of a native land long since dispossessed.
Blending comedy-drama with the wit and sincerity of the Cambodian diaspora, I was immediately drawn to the story as one of great creativity and as the day approached, I could only wonder how my two friends must have been feeling — so much excitement running through my veins as if it were theirs.
We arrived to hear the last songs of the live band spilling outside the auditorium doors. Several seats were already taken, the red curtain drawing soon after we found our own. The lights dimmed. The spotlight focused. Four women dressed in lovely Khmer traditional gowns took to the stage. One of them, a girl in a red dress and blue scarf, was my friend, the assistant director.
It’s hard to describe the feeling of that moment. She was so beautiful, but it was more than her appearance I was in awe of. The culmination of her hard work, the love she had for her culture and the community by which she was surrounded was all too apparent in my eyes, and as she spoke into the microphone, I could hear both her pride and happiness echoing across the room. I felt everything for myself — not for the success of the production, but for her — and it captivated me.
Following their speeches, the curtains were drawn again, this time revealing a stage already set. A hush befell the audience; the first act began. I steadied my phone’s camera for the moment, my other friend, the groom and main antagonist, would make his entrance. When he finally appeared, I couldn’t help but smile.
He spoke his lines with great intensity. Many instances passed that I forgot who he was, his true self melding into the lines of his character. And I remembered — I’d never seen him acting before.
I was amazed once again. What an honor it was to have watched my friends on stage, to have shared in the success of that night.
When I think back to it, I am filled with so much gratitude and warmth. It was a reminder that we are all living this life together, experiencing the very same triumphs. But even more than that, I was just happy to see them smile.
I was a witness to their dreams. How wonderful is that?
Back in freshman year, I never imagined I would feel so greatly for people I coincidentally met. What transformed from a single happenstance were friendships I now deeply cherish. Their joy is my joy. Their hardships have become my own. I celebrate their victories as I celebrate mine, and I’m so glad to have that privilege. It is proof of our connection, a testament to being alive.
I imagine these friendships far into the future. These and many others which I will carry with me as long as I am able. Each one has shaped my college experience, painting them with memories I will not soon forget.
I am thankful for that night at UKSCN, how I hugged my friend — the actor — so tightly after the show, a moment filled with endless laughter.
I am thankful for the late night talks with my roommates of two years, thankful that I grew because of them and thankful for their understanding.
I am thankful that through it all, there are people standing right by my side, people with whom I share in this life.
This is a love letter to the friendships I’ve made.
What about yours?
