NENJ YILPET | senior staff writer

APASO proves to be a multi-ethnic group that encourages involvement from all students.

Sitting in life’s classroom, students stare forward, often from a seat where they cannot see, hear or feel the social realities of those in the rows behind them. With an inviting tap on the shoulder, the Asian American Pacific Student Organization invites students to sit in the Asian American seat, whether it’s the seat of familiarity or a new experience.

“The main attraction we find our members have to APASO is finding a place of belonging,” APASO co-president and senior sociology major Colby Carter said. “Finding a place of belonging is a very human experience. At APASO, while we learn about issues in regards to the Asian community, we have all found a place where we feel we can belong and have an experience that is acknowledged and not discredited.”

Asian American students started APASO seven years ago, to create a safe haven to dialogue about issues pertaining to the Asian American community on and off campus. APASO stands not only to provide a place for Asian Americans but for all people to come together, according to Carter. The group meets every first and third Wednesday of the month in the Faculty Dinning Room.

“The ultimate goal of APASO is not only to build a community but to grow as a family with everyone on campus who is struggling or just in a period in their life where they want to learn,” senior business administration major Randall Hidajat said.

Before coming to APU, APASO treasurer sophomore biology major Ryan Chin did not take interest in his cultural background. Since joining APASO, he has come to learn and appreciate Chinese heritage.

“I can be in a place with people who do not think I am weird and who are interested in learning about the same issues that are important to me,” Chin said.

Last semester, APASO hosted guest speakers and groups discussions to discuss the model minority myth and glass ceiling struggle.

This semester APASO plans to “unpack the origins of Asian stereotypes and the effects of society putting Asians in a box,” according to APASO board member and sophomore psychology and business administration major Joyce Lee.

“It’s not just about Asians; we really just connect with all minorities and all our experiences together because there are many parallels and its not just confined to Asian or African Americans. It’s people’s struggles in general,” Lee said.

African American, sophomore psychology major Jamari Robinson serves as the secretary for APASO. Robinson urges people of all ethnicities to come join bond within the group.

“To those who say APASO is not for everyone, all I can say is just come and see. If you don’t like it then you don’t like it but if you come at least you tried. People need to be informed,” Robinson said.

APASO board member and sophomore liberal studies major Ahjon Veney was first invited to APASO by Chin. He recalled stepping into a room of food, laughter, and welcomes. Veney quickly saw the purpose of APASO as a place to introduce people to a culture that many may not understand.

“I have invited many people to APASO and each time I get the same answer, ‘I am not Asian, I can’t go there’ and I respond, ‘I am a board member and I am not Asian,’” Veney said. “Being a part of this group has helped me understand myself.”

Junior sociology major Rochelle Younan has joined the APASO as the publicity coordinator. She recognizes her unfamiliarity with Asian American culture but is using her involvement to learn.

“I already feel this is a safe environment to dialogue, because so often when people speak of culture and diversity it becomes hostile,” Younan said.

Seeking to understand cultures is crucial in a place of Christians who speak of harmony, especially when talking about race, according to Younan.

“For ethnic organizations to exist, it is important that people from many ethnic backgrounds are involved and not just the people of that ethnicity,” Younan said. “In this we learn about ourselves and that is difficult. Sometimes we do not want to face the issues within our community.”

With 70 official members, half of which are not Asian Americans, APASO persistently urges anyone willing to see if their frontward vision in the classroom is different from those sitting behind them.

“We are a family. We find who we are in learning about other cultures. APASO is my home,” Robinson said.