Paw Moo

In America, it’s common for students to complain about the struggles of school and homework, but for Paw Moo , the education is a reason she is here.  To receive education in Thailand Refugee Camps, a fee had to be paid.  She and her family wanted a free education, which America offered, making it a good option for them.  Paw Moo is in 10th grade, 16 years old, who came to the United States from Thailand when she was 11 years old. She came with her family which includes herself, her mom, dad, and two sisters. When first coming to the U.S., she lived in Tennessee for a few months before coming to live permanently in Bowling Green. She attended Cumberland Trace Elementary and Drakes Creek Middle School before Greenwood High School and knew little to no English.

Living in the U.S. has changed her perspective on freedom.  While living in the Refugee Camps, The biggest adjustment she had to make was the time change, which took her about a month to get used to.  Her parents did most of the process to move from her homeland to America, and she said when she first arrived, she was expecting something bigger.  “When you see American movies, you see big cities and when I first came in I didn’t see anything like the movies.”

While in Thailand, she would spend her free time playing outside with her friends and family. They didn’t have as much technology in Thailand as they have in America, so a lot of her time was spent off of technology. One of the things she would do outside is slide down the hills while it was still slippery. The weather was very different in Thailand. There was a lot more rain and it never got as cold, or even snowed, as it does here in Bowling Green.

Moving to America was a little difficult for Paw Moo because she didn’t know much English. She had to take many English learning classes and practiced a lot before she became able to speak it fluently. She enjoys living in Bowling Green and found the people very welcoming and understanding. Although it has taken a little getting used to and she misses her old home, Paw Moo is glad to be where she is now.

Here are some quick facts about Paw moo

• Favorite food that was new to her when coming to America – Chicken nuggets and hamburgers
• Favorite food from Thailand – Noodles
• Favorite subject – Math
• Thing she misses the most about Thailand – Great-grandfather and Great-grandmother
• Her two siblings- A 19 year old and a 13 year old
• Enjoys being on her phone in her free time