Today I heard the words, 'You're built differently.' And this brought me comfort like nothing else could. You see, I've been through almost a year of pain, where my light had begun to dim. I felt like extinguishing the flame myself at times, just to not hurt anymore.
The words gave me such a sense of understanding and compassion for myself. I could not comprehend why I had conflict with others, why people called me derogatory names and judged my moral and value system.
Turns out, I'm just built different. There is nothing wrong with me. I'm not flawed or incapable of being loved or accepted. I was raised with collectivist values in an individualistic society. My eye shape and core beliefs differ than most people around me. My DNA is imprinted with the ravages of a war torn country, with survival, with the curse of being perpetually foreign.
I'm just built different. I have not heard sweeter words in a long time.
Cuong (Mike) Tran, August 2025
Cuong (Mike) Tran (b. 1980) is a first-generation Vietnamese-American. His parents immigrated to the U.S. in 1975 after their homeland was devastated by war. At age five, unable to afford store-bought toys, Mike began crafting his own action figures from paper and cardboard. Mike found that entering into an imaginary world was a way to escape his abusive environment. It was not until Covid that he began a serious self study in painting. Mike’s art has been instrumental in his healing process. It has allowed him to open to extraordinary levels of self-honesty, transcend dystopia and make reparations.
Mike currently resides in a “gated community” called “California Men’s Colony State Prison.” Despite severe restrictions, Mike’s artistry demonstrates proficiency as well as the resilience of the human spirit. Working in a 3’ x 11’ cell, he often transforms discarded, overlooked and inexpensive art materials into expressions (both paintings and 3 dimensional forms) with great proficiency. “By using materials often seen as ‘inferior,’ I am reclaiming my dignity.”
In addition to being an artist, Mike is a Nationally Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.
Mike welcomes letters and is eager to connect with other artists. He can be reached via the GTL GettingOut app or by snail mail. Learn more about Mike, find his contact info, and check out more of his JustArts portfolio here!
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Wendy, Seeing Cuong's images and reading this piece made me happy. It doesn't hurt that I had an email from Chad this morning after their "little lockdown." Your invitation to write to Cuong has been taken to heart by me.
Be well, Sandra