Tan Dinh tells his 14-year-old daughter Emily about his family's escape from Vietnam by boat when he was 13 in this media gallery (audio, personal photos) produced for the American Experience First Days Story Project. Tan arrived in America excited but apprehensive. Thanks to helpful neighbors, a local pastor, and people at the middle school he attended, he was introduced to American culture and learned the English language. Today, Tan remains grateful to them and to the country that provided him and other political refugees shelter. He also hopes that his daughter will not take for granted the rights and the privilege she has being an American. Produced by StoryCorps for the WGBH American Experience First Days Story Project, part of the outreach and engagement initiative for the film, "Last Days in Vietnam." This resource is part of the American Experience: Last Days in Vietnam Collection.