Kelly Mac
- First newspaper write up was for 30 years after the fall of Saigon Vietnam.
- Second one is 50 years after the fall of Saigon Vietnam.
Boat People
I am considered the first wave of “The Boat People” from Fall of Saigon, Vietnam. Arrived in NYC, lived in Princeton, New Jersey. Summer 1975 of drastic changes to say the least. Where I came from we walk, bike, lots of rickshaws and seas of Vespas. Fresh off the boat with clothes I left on April 30th, 1975 as VCs invaded Saigon. Left to die in the South China Sea for days before we were spotted and rescued. From humble means to riding Uncle Peter’s beautiful red sports car seats 5. Only we were able to squeeze 10! Never been on a plane or rode in cars that drove no more than 35mph. Culture shock! Memorial Day, 1975. first hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, jello and COOL WHIP! “Hallelujah! I LOVE America!”
I was raised by fathers parents, they were “my parents” and met my biological parents upon my arrival in Princeton. A world of changes beyond my control, not only was I uprooted from the land I was born in and love. Summer 1978, I was once again uprooted from the only parents I ever knew. My biological parents decided it was best to drive across the states with their four children to California. In our culture children are seen Not heard. You do as you are told. Your opinion, thoughts and feelings are irrelevant. You are Not to question and challenge your elders. Imagine what a young teen must be feeling at this point. Not allowed to express themselves but just do as I am told. I had No say in who I wanted to live with and where I wanted to be. Lost and confused. What happened to the country and parents I knew and loved? A young teen with so many unanswered questions, trying to process changes from simple living in a house full of family in Saigon, to another full house in America. Now with New parents, you are expected to Accept Instantly without any explanations or counseling. Additionally, I did NOT speak a word of English. I was bullied in school. I was supposed to accept, not defend myself, just keep the peace. I share this brief story with hopes to inspire you. You do matter. We all have our story. Our struggles are real. Our life IS Relevant. How we react IS Key. We can choose to Rise Or allow our struggles and adversities keep us from being our Best self. We get to choose. I chose ME And My Beautiful daughter, Michelle!
I am considered the first wave of “The Boat People” from Fall of Saigon, Vietnam. Arrived in NYC, lived in Princeton, New Jersey. Summer 1975 of drastic changes to say the least. Where I came from we walk, bike, lots of rickshaws and seas of Vespas. Fresh off the boat with clothes I left on April 30th, 1975 as VCs invaded Saigon. Left to die in the South China Sea for days before we were spotted and rescued. From humble means to riding Uncle Peter’s beautiful red sports car seats 5. Only we were able to squeeze 10! Never been on a plane or rode in cars that drove no more than 35mph. Culture shock! Memorial Day, 1975. first hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, jello and COOL WHIP! “Hallelujah! I LOVE America!”
I am considered the first wave of “The Boat People” from Fall of Saigon, Vietnam. Arrived in NYC, lived in Princeton, New Jersey. Summer 1975 of drastic changes to say the least. Where I came from we walk, bike, lots of rickshaws and seas of Vespas. Fresh off the boat with clothes I left on April 30th, 1975 as VCs invaded Saigon. Left to die in the South China Sea for days before we were spotted and rescued. From humble means to riding Uncle Peter’s beautiful red sports car seats 5. Only we were able to squeeze 10! Never been on a plane or rode in cars that drove no more than 35mph. Culture shock! Memorial Day, 1975. first hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, jello and COOL WHIP! “Hallelujah! I LOVE America!”
I was raised by fathers parents, they were “my parents” and met my biological parents upon my arrival in Princeton. A world of changes beyond my control, not only was I uprooted from the land I was born in and love. Summer 1978, I was once again uprooted from the only parents I ever knew. My biological parents decided it was best to drive across the states with their four children to California. In our culture children are seen Not heard. You do as you are told. Your opinion, thoughts and feelings are irrelevant. You are Not to question and challenge your elders. Imagine what a young teen must be feeling at this point. Not allowed to express themselves but just do as I am told. I had No say in who I wanted to live with and where I wanted to be. Lost and confused. What happened to the country and parents I knew and loved? A young teen with so many unanswered questions, trying to process changes from simple living in a house full of family in Saigon, to another full house in America. Now with New parents, you are expected to Accept Instantly without any explanations or counseling. Additionally, I did NOT speak a word of English. I was bullied in school. I was supposed to accept, not defend myself, just keep the peace. I share this brief story with hopes to inspire you. You do matter. We all have our story. Our struggles are real. Our life IS Relevant. How we react IS Key. We can choose to Rise Or allow our struggles and adversities keep us from being our Best self. We get to choose. I chose ME And My Beautiful daughter, Michelle!
I was raised by fathers parents, they were “my parents” and met my biological parents upon my arrival in Princeton. A world of changes beyond my control, not only was I uprooted from the land I was born in and love. Summer 1978, I was once again uprooted from the only parents I ever knew. My biological parents decided it was best to drive across the states with their four children to California. In our culture children are seen Not heard. You do as you are told. Your opinion, thoughts and feelings are irrelevant. You are Not to question and challenge your elders. Imagine what a young teen must be feeling at this point. Not allowed to express themselves but just do as I am told. I had No say in who I wanted to live with and where I wanted to be. Lost and confused. What happened to the country and parents I knew and loved? A young teen with so many unanswered questions, trying to process changes from simple living in a house full of family in Saigon, to another full house in America. Now with New parents, you are expected to Accept Instantly without any explanations or counseling. Additionally, I did NOT speak a word of English. I was bullied in school. I was supposed to accept, not defend myself, just keep the peace. I share this brief story with hopes to inspire you. You do matter. We all have our story. Our struggles are real. Our life IS Relevant. How we react IS Key. We can choose to Rise Or allow our struggles and adversities keep us from being our Best self. We get to choose. I chose ME And My Beautiful daughter, Michelle!
My Memoir Is On the Way
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been working on something incredibly close to my heart — my memoir. It’s a deeply personal journey that captures the moments, lessons, and experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Whether you’ve known me for years or are just getting familiar with my story, this is for anyone who’s ever faced adversity, embraced change, or dared to dream bigger.
Keep an eye out — official release details will be announced soon!
Watch the Exclusive Interview
I recently sat down with abc15 for an interview to discuss what inspired me to write the memoir, the emotional process behind it, and what readers can expect.
THE $.49 BOOK THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
Summer 1978
My Healthy Addiction To Me
Welcome to My Church, The Kelly Mac Church
A .49 cent book that changed my life. I read and applied the Joseph Pilates method before “the trend”. Due to my hardships, I would practice Pilates every day. I felt immediate mental clarity and physically strong, “Can do” attitude. Decades later, I’m still practicing and motivating others. The beauty I/we radiate from within lasts hours after training ends is Pure Light. It is the Only investment I know that “Guarantees” a positive return. It strengthens your Whole being and gives you confidence. When you take care of your body, it will take care of you. Congrats for putting You First. Take care of your mental and physical health so, You Can be the Rock to your loved ones. I’ve been a CA State License Cosmologist since 1983 and Certified MUA, I chose health and fitness full time and part time in the beauty industry.
If you are ready to take Control, Concentrate and put your health the Center of your life. I will be grateful to be a part of your health journey.
Health IS Wealth
Namaste
Kelly Mac