I Love My Community: BE Nguyễn Boonsalat
Bé Nguyễn Boonsalat, office manager, co-owner and founder of Opening Minds, Inc., an ABA therapy company and a social services case manager in Stockton, recently sat down with HERLIFE Magazine to discuss her family, involvement in the community and dreams for the future.
HLM: What do you love most about where you and your family live?
BB: I have lived in Stockton most of my life! I was about 8 years old in 1993 when our family was sponsored to come to the United States from Hue, VietNam. What I love most about Stockton is that we are a melting pot. We have such a diverse community with very strong and passionate individuals who continuously contribute to making our community better by volunteering their time.
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
BB: As a case manager for child welfare and attendance for the Stockton Unified School District, I am passionate when it comes to students who need services and things that have to do with cultural diversity. Through Opening Minds, the therapists and I work closely with families to provide individualized programs tailored to each client’s needs. Overall, I just love working with people and helping wherever I can. If I can help, then why not?
HLM: What sparks joy for you?
BB: I love lending a helping hand. I get great joy out of making my families and friends happy. I also love to cook and eat whatever I want (that’s a blessing). Knowing that I make a difference in someone’s life is something that definitely sparks joy.
HLM: What’s your free time passion?
BB: Creating memories with my family and friends and taking photos because this is where you can capture a moment or an experience that may be forgotten later down your memory lane. I love traveling and exploring the world of cooking.
HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
BB: To have a beautiful family, meet all my siblings by the time I turn 40 years old, and help as many people as possible.
HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
BB: One of the accomplishments that I am most proud of is that I am the first and only one in my family who thus far has earned a
college degree.
HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
BB: Two key events that had a great impact in my life are having the opportunity to come and live in the United States. The journey was from Vietnam to the Philippines’ refugee camp, then to Stockton. The second was meeting the love of my life at age 16, and we’re now more than 20 years together and until the end of this journey called LIFE.
HLM: What are you currently reading?
BB: Currently I am not reading a book but will consider some recommendations.
HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
BB: There are too many delicious foods to narrow down to one or two favorites; here are some things I enjoy: Bánh canh (Vietnamese thick noodle soup or udon), Bún bò Huế (Vietnamese spicy rice noodle soup), Bánh mì, saffron rice, chow fun, pesto chicken pasta, pancit, fried chicken wings, Chè ba màu/Halo-halo, Sundubu-jjigae, hotpot.
