Forty year old Hoa Nguyen graduated first in his class two weeks ago from Bronx Community College with an Associate Degree in Electrical Technology and was valedictorian of his class, having spent 6 semesters with a straight 4.0 average. Perhaps in the larger scheme of things, this isn't a big story, but Mr.Hoa and his family immigrated from Vietnam and none of them spoke a word of English until they set bart on American soil less than 4 years ago.

Mr.Hoa's polite and carefully constructed English contrasted with that of the teenagers outside. He greeted me with his 2 year old niece, Jennifer and led me up to his small apartment which he shares with 7 other family members.

Hoa Nguyen's 68 year old mother Cay, right, takes care of his sister Phuong's two children, Jennifer, 2 and Peter, 5 months.

© 1998 Susan B. Markisz/The Riverdale Press

Hoa Nguyen (right) holds his niece, 2 year old Jennifer and his mother Cay holds his 5 month old nephew Peter.

© 1998 Susan B. Markisz/The Riverdale Press

Strips of cloth and material littered the floor of the small living room. Sewing machines buzzed over the voices of his father, mother, sister, two brothers, and his niece and nephew who talked quietly in Vietnamese .

Sitting in the far corner of the living room, in front of an open window, a half story above the noisy street, was Mr. Hoa's 29 year old sister Phuong. She worked at an old sewing machine, piecing together strips of black and gray fabric for belts and putting finishing touches on crushed velvet scarves for the accessory business that their younger brother Phong runs.

71 year old Tong, imprisoned by the Communist government in Vietnam after the war ended, is now a Bronx resident. His daughter, 29 year old Phuong works at a sewing machine in the living room of their apartment, where the family runs an accessories business from their home. Two year old Jennifer holds court. ©1998 Susan B. Markisz/The Riverdale Press

"That's because we only speak Vietnamese around the house," said Mr. Hoa, "but we are learning." By reading and by attending English classes at Bronx Community College while he was taking other college credits, Mr. Hoa learned English, which he believes is the key to his education and to his future. "Life is not easy, but we are grateful to be here," added Mr. Hoa.

If success is measured in gratitude, the Hoa family would put many Americans to shame. If success is measured in taking baby steps, then the Hoa family has made giant leaps.

Hoa Nguyen's sister, 29 year old Phuong works at a sewing machine. © 1998 Susan B. Markisz/The Riverdale Press