Tuyet grew up in Communist Vietnam. Her brothers fled the takeover and went to Milasia as part of the first wave of "boat people". They were later sponsored by the Canadian government as convention refugees and moved to Canada.

Once established in Canada, Tuyets brothers were able to help their sister move to Canada. Tuyet remembers being afraid in the times following the takeover. In the meantime she had been studying languages at university, specializing in English, as it was her goal to come to Canada.

Once she had arrived in Canada, Tuyet put her language skills to use and began working as a translator. Her primary role is to help recent immigrants access the social services they require and to assist them in being understood in important meetings.