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Danny Nguyen, choreographer, dancer and faculty member at College of Alameda recently submitted an entry to the White House for "What's Your Story" — a video challenge from Asian American and Pacific Islander Committee on the Arts. If selected, his video will earn him a trip to the White House to talk about his life.

Nguyen's story focuses on his escape from Vietnam in 1982 and his successful career in the arts. He has traveled to Vietnam and taught dance workshops as well as given toys and money to orphans and poor children in different villages. "I just want to give back what I have learned. I don't know how long I'll live, and I want to pass on my knowledge to the next generation, especially Vietnamese kids," he said. Nguyen is the only Vietnamese American to receive two degrees in dance and choreography. "Usually, Vietnamese parents won't let their kids study dance. I lied to my parents for 10 years. I told them I was studying medicine!"

Nguyen was one of 48 boat people who tried to escape from Vietnam. He tried to escape 32 times by boat and by foot before he succeeded in 1982. One of his brothers went to Holland and he came to California. Today, Nguyen is a full-time faculty member in the College of Alameda's dance department. He received his BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia and his MFA from Mills College.

One of Nguyen's goals is to create an AA degree in dance at the College of Alameda. His dream is to build the dance department so students can transfer to excellent university programs.

Nguyen knows how tough that can be, as he is the only faculty member in the dance department.

Nguyen is also the advisor and choreographer for the College of Alameda's Dance Troupe. This company performs throughout the Bay Area and gives students experience in the rigors of professional dance while building their confidence. He also stresses the importance of giving back to the community through free dance workshops for senior citizens and youth programs throughout the greater Bay Area.

View Nguyen's story submission to the White House by typing in "Danny Nguyen Endless Passage" on YouTube.com.