The Asian Student Intercultural Association (ASIA) is a student-run organization dedicated to fostering community among Asian students at Taylor.
The organization also aims to provide opportunities for others to explore and appreciate the breadth of Asian culture. This year, the organization, located in the Office of Intercultural Programs, is led by sophomore Sarah Lee and junior Joon Lee.
Joon described ASIA as more than just a student organization, emphasizing its role as a community for Asian students. He explained that the organization creates events and discussions centered around Asian culture to educate and engage students of all backgrounds.
"Asia is a cultural organization that aims to foster community within the Asian population at Taylor and develop connections with those who want to learn more about it,"Joon said.
Sarah added that ASIA is the Asian community at Taylor. As a cabinet, they create events and discussions around culture, acceptance and belonging.
The organization's plans for the current academic year are ambitious and aim to achieve its mission of cultural celebration and community building.
Due to various reasons, many of the events have been shifted to the spring semester, culminating in a grand celebration of Asian Heritage Month that will run from April 15 to May 15.
However, ASIA remains prominent during the fall semester with a series of internal events designed to welcome new freshmen and enhance the sense of belonging among Asian students. These events include movie and game nights, discussions and a potential Asian retreat.
In November, ASIA will be partnering with the International Student Programs and Honors Programs to host a “Dumpling Night.” This event promises to bring together members of the Taylor community to enjoy dumplings, celebrate culture and strengthen connections, Sarah said.
Office of Intercultural Programs Office Manager senior Julissa Castellanos, looks forward to what the presidents will bring to the table.
“I am excited about the creativity that the new cabinet will bring, and seeing how their tight-knit community will translate to the events they will be hosting,” Castellanos said.
Sarah and Joon emphasized how they wanted to develop the Asian community and celebrate their culture with the entire campus through planned events.
ASIA's cabinet, consisting of dedicated individuals, brings a wealth of skills and talents to the organization. Joon and Sarah praised their team, highlighting their artistic skills, organizational abilities, financial acumen and their genuine commitment to service as well as their ability to bring joy into every interaction.
Junior Jonathan Sichak, a member of the cabinet, described how his role brought him friends both within and outside the cabinet.
“I've been able to interact more with the Asian population on campus, and build connections with people through my role,” Sichak said.
His words echo the goal that ASIA has, of celebrating culture, fostering a sense of belonging and offering students a platform to explore the diverse and vibrant culture of Asia through various events.
