The Southwest Voice

By: Debbie Simpson

Kaw Tha Wah came to America from a refugee camp in Thailand after being displaced from Myanmar because of his minority Karen ethnicity. His mother died when he was only 4 years old. He, his father and four sisters arrived here July 31. He’s a hardworking student facing the big challenge of learning English and is truly starting from scratch this year. It’s going to take some time, but he is well-liked by his classmates, takes a lot of joking and always has a sense of humor. He’s still often quiet and confused, but pays attention and always tries.

Kaw Tha Wah was hit by a car on Nov. 21 as he was crossing Ming Avenue. He was waiting with his bicycle to cross Ming Avenue when the light changed to green for him. He started across the street and was hit by a truck possibly trying to make it quickly through the light. He suffered injuries mostly to his head and face, especially his left eye. He had surgery that day and other follow-up surgeries after that. Miraculously, he had no broken bones.

I am a school community specialist at West High School. I remember the day of the accident. I had never met Kaw Tha Wah prior to the accident, but while following up on his condition and recovery I learned that his primary concern while in the hospital getting back to school. Kaw Tha Wah feels it is a privilege to go to school. I have worked in truancy for many years and it was very refreshing to see a student like Kaw Tha Wah. I contacted Kevin Keyes, a school community specialist at Liberty High School, with this story. He contacted Kerry Ryan, owner of Action Sports, who after hearing the story donated a new bicycle for Kaw Tha Wah.

I found it very refreshing that a high school student felt it was a privilege to go to school. It was also invigorating to have the Liberty High School Asian Club join forces with West High School and Action Sports to acknowledge this special student. It is nice to see two high schools and a business owner in our community join in the spirit of giving. The family greatly appreciates the phone calls, gifts, hospital visits by his WHS counselor Fabian Buckner, his favorite teacher Mr. Parks and the overall concern expressed by so many other people.

As a team member of West High School’s newly created community specialists department, I am inspired by the impact we were able to make by reaching out to the people of Bakersfield for Kaw Tha Wah. It is our hope that we can continue to build these bridges, not only to help our students and their families, but to strengthen the community in which we all live.