Don Kodluboy

If you want to be successful, read. Study hard and read a little bit each day. Read a lot when you can. Always be truthful. Seek help when you need it. Help others who do and you’ll be happy.

Don Kodluboy

My name is Don Kodluboy. East St. Paul was the land of immigrants from eastern Europe. My family was raised in Swede Hollow.

December 20th, 1947 is when I was born. I went to school with students like me—first generation born in America. Teachers had to speak a different language. The church was a huge part of all communities then.

Schools were segregated. I didn’t understand why. My parents were open-hearted with everyone. They had to go to work after 8th grade and couldn’t even go to high school. They told me that there are no excuses for not doing well.

I am a psychologist. Psychologists study behavior. At the University of Minnesota, there were people who looked after me. I was in college during the Vietnam War. It was a difficult time, and I became active in the anti-war movement.

During that era, I was interested to see what to do to help students with behavior and brain problems. I worked with them to learn how to behave and help others.

My wife and I met teaching in Minneapolis. I became interested in different cultures. I worked in the Native American community, but Asia was my primary interest. I guide the Hmong and help them be successful. We’ve traveled to Laos, Cambodia, and soon Vietnam.

We help build schools and libraries. In Laos you would be lucky to have a school like this. You would sit at tables and benches that you make yourself. School is a very special privilege in most countries. My parents often said, “You are so lucky to be here and have what you have.” Now I know what they meant. That’s why your teachers push you so hard to do well.

I also went from California to British Columbia and wrote a book on street gangs. We know that students who have a reliable adult in their life are more likely to succeed. It’s also important to pick good friends.

My goal is to make a difference with children. It is a fun and good life. Mentors will be the most important people in your life. Start with your teachers. Now that I am retired, I like to choose what I want to do.