Year in Review 2017-18

Year in Review 2017-18 asian outlookl

Year in Review 2017-18

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ASIAN

Year in Review 2017-18

contents OUTLOOK 2

ASIAN OUTLOOK

year in review 4 | Vietnamese Student Association | 8 | Taiwanese American Student Coalition | 12 | Phillipine-American League | 16 | Korean American Student Association | 20 | Hong Kong Exchange Square | 24 | Chinese American Student Union | 28 | Binghamton University Japanese Association | 32 | Asian Outlook | 38 | Asian Student Union |

EXECUTIVE BOARD SPRING 2018 editor-in-chief

Nina Ocampo Secretary Michael Messina treasurer Tiffany Tung publicity manager Haythi Ei copy editors Benny Louie Brandon Ng conscience editor Tram Duong layout editors Haoran Zhi Michelle Pao Camille Guo Mengshu Ye intern Thomas Hur

EDITORIAL POLICY

CONTACT POLICY

Asian Outlook is the art, literary and news magazine of the Asian Student Union of SUNY’s Binghamton University. Originally conceived and created to challenge, redefine, re-imagine and revolutionize images and perceptions associated with Asians and Asian Americans, Asian Outlook also serves to protect the voice of those in the minority, whether by ethnicity, gender, and/or political orientation. All matter contained within these beautiful pages do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Asian Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions and publish work as deemed appropriate. Prospective contributors are encouraged to discuss their work with the editors prior to submissions.

Articles may be submitted as an e-mail attachment to ao.editor@gmail.com. All artistic and literary pieces may be submitted to aoconscience@gmail.com.

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V S A Events: Che and Chill, VSA x HKES: Tea Time, I Love Pho, Miss Asia: Fashion Week, Valentine Strawberry Shortcake Fundraiser, Summer Rolls Workshop, , Vietnamese Iced Coffee, VSA Banquet: Forever and Always Interviewee: Christina Tran: Incoming president (junior 2018-19), cultural chair (sophomore 2017-18), intern (freshmen 2016-17)

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ow did this year go? Can you tell us about some of this year’s events / programming?

It was pretty successful. For our biggest event in the Fall, Miss Asia, we were able to increase our outreach by inviting a lot of outside VSAs, including Northeast, Rutgers, Baruch, and Temple.

The event sold out in 37 minutes, and we had really diverse contestants. We managed to do everything on time and got food from the city for our event, so that turned out well.

We don’t have a lot of small events or fundraisers, to focus on one big event each semester. Our wedding-themed banquet in the Spring semester got 30-40 outside VSA members to come. We received feedback from upper-class and alumnis that it was the best banquet they’ve been to, because it wasn’t just food and performances, there was a storyline connected throughout.

What’s a favorite memory from this year?

My favorite memory was when I went with my E-Board to a conference in Virginia, where we bonded really well and had a valuable time before the seniors graduating.

It’s very cool that VSA has a strong external network with VSAs from other colleges/ universities!

How did you guys establish your external networks outside Bing?

Vietnamese cultural groups on college campuses across the country have the same name as us, the Vietnamese Student Association, or VSA, whereas other cultural groups would have varying names on each campus. Our groups’ names help us connect.

VSAs across the country are split into regions and regional conferences are held regularly to connect the VSAs within it. Alot of our E-Board who live in the city would go to VSA Mixers in the summer and other conferences during the year, where we

got more opportunities to network with outside VSAs, meet new people and attend workshops on Vietnamese culture, identity, and language.

Everyone in VSA loves meeting new people; even though it involves a lot of traveling, they’d always find opportunities to meet up! They really care about the organization, so they all want to expand it.

How has VSA grown / changed since you joined?

When I joined as a freshman intern, I felt it was very cliquey and not a lot of internal E-Board members got along. So, at first, I was outside of the “clique” and felt a little intimidated by members who were already there. That changed when the new E-Board members came in, they were more serious and more welcoming to outside members.

With the new E-Board, I felt more included.

We’re all good friends now and have good communications; we have more events with better success. We still struggle with time management but it’s improving.

Even though I felt intimidated and didn’t really like everyone initially, I stayed as a cultural chair ‘cause I wanted to spread Vietnamese awareness.

How have you seen yourself grow? What was something you learned being in your role?

In the fall semester, many of my friends were pledging, which I wasn’t interested in, so I was by myself alot, that’s when I started reaching out to the rest of E-Board and got close with them.

I learned how to be alone & more independent, but I also became more open, made connections and accepted more people into my life instead of beings scared and withdrawn.

Being cultural EC, I learned to time-manage with other people, and I learned a little more cooking ‘cause I have to call home for instructions, Year in Review 2017-18

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“How do you make thit kho (Vietnamese braised traditions, not just on the social level. pork)?” This year, I live on-campus, so I have to After going to conferences, I realized there’re go downtown a lot to one of my friend’s houses a lot of cultural things that the VSA’s banquets to cook. But I’m moving off-campus next year, I’ll are missing, and how it is more of a social, rather get to do a lot of cooking on my own so, I’m very than a cultural, group. I also noticed that other excited.

VSAs have cultural shows and other subgroups Was the position (cultural chair) what you have China Night, Japan Night, Korean Night but expected it to be? there’s no Vietnam Night showcasing Vietnamese I did things things that were expected of my dances and traditions such as fan dances, umbrella position, but most of the time I did more, which is dancers, ao dai - that’s something I want to get fine ‘cause I care about the organization. going. I think the last time VSA had a cultural show Any difficulties? was in 2013, when I was in high school, so I’ll try to A lot of time, people didn’t show up on time. bring it back.

For example, we wanted everyone to show up at 9 How would the E-Board describe you, in the lastest, so we say “let’s be there at 8:30!” but adjectives? even then, people’d still be late, and I’m pretty Head-strong, punctual, outgoing, dramatic, frustrated. We struggled with time-management, intense planning, and doing everything last-minute. We’re What’s something that outside members always really stressed 1-2 weeks before our events. would NOT expect from your group, And even though, we’re not as cliquey as before, anything? people still think that VSA E-Board is We may seem intimidating; but we’re actually very exclusive, and we ‘re having troubles very open, caring; we ‘re a warm group of building connections with general body people. We’re not stereotyped. members like PAL does. PAL has a lot of people coming to their events and S M A L L T A L K W I T H C H R I S T I N A T R A N meetings ‘cause they have a general body, which is something that we lack. We have . I love Vietnamese traditional food. I don’t like Pho that a reputation for being cliquey, so I want much, but I love Ca Chien (Vietnamese stir-fried fish to build close-enough connections with cakes), Bun Bo Hue, Bun Rieu … people outside E-Board so they’d want to 2. I love wearing ‘ao dai’ when going to conferences and at come with us to conferences. home during Tet. I have 6 of them, I still want an handedly What would you improve / do embroidered ‘ao dai’ though. Every time my aunt went back differently with VSA next year? to Vietnam, I’d tell her ‘I want (another) one!

Again, I want to build a general body 3. When I’m married, I’d want an American wedding and and take down that wall that make us a Vietnamese wedding, so 2. If I’m married to a Chinese exclusive. or someone of a different culture, I’d want a Chinese, a Previously when I was a freshmen Vietnamese, AND an American wedding, so that’d be 3! intern, we mostly had mainstream food 4. I’d want to have a Vietnamese husband, to continue our such as spring rolls and banh mi. I am the Viet ancestral traditions and culture. I already have a name cultural EC this year so I, my co-chair and picked out for my daughter, Anh Dao (direct translation: the social chair came up ideas for the food cherry blossom). and did all of the cooking; we tried to have 5. I’m half-Vietnamese, half-Chinese; but I only identify as more homestyle cooks, such as braised a Vietnamese. I went to Vietnamese language school from 8 pork (thit kho) for our GIM. One of my till about 14 years old, so I can read, write, speak, and sing the goal is to have VSA implements more national anthem. on cultural awareness and emphasize on

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T A S C Events TASC x Chinascope: Picnic, Lantern and S’mores, Butter Cookie Fundraiser, Braised Pork over Rice, Night Market: Taiwanese Hot Springs, Open Gym Night, Lantern-Making, Sausage Fundraiser, Sponge Cake Fundraiser, Traditional Taiwanese Toys & Games, Casino Night Interviewees Derek: incoming president (senior 2018-19); multimedia chair (junior), intern (sophomore) Jennerson: president (senior 2017-18), VP (junior), cultural chair (sophomore), intern (freshmen) Ping: cultural chair (2017-18) 8

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ow did you join TASC and the E-Board?

Derek: I come from Upstate New York.

Where I grew up, everyone around me was white, I didn’t really have many Asian friends. So when I came here and found clubs specifically dedicated towards Taiwanese culture, I went to their GIM, their events and slowly became friends with the E-Board. I wasn’t able to join TASC until spring semester sophomore year because I took a semester off to work for IBM (International Business Machines).

Are you guys Taiwanese?

Jennerson: I am.

Derek: I am, too.

How did this year went?

Jennerson Our biggest things were Banquet and Night Market and we try to be creative otherwise. I’d say fall semester was a little rough.

Because that was when the new president came in, trying to get used to the role. Night Market was very hectic with the planning and the ECs were in charge of the nightmares that the previous year’s had left.

What was your favorite memory?

Derek: I don’t remember most of that night from my favorite memory, but from what I remember and what I heard it was fun. There was a sleepover bonding but nobody really slept over or slept at all and I drank too much of certain liquids so I don’t remember all too much, but it was bonding time with my E-Board.

Jennerson: So now that he shared the fun side, I’m going to share something that was pretty important to me. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into when I became president and I wasn’t really sure what the is and its responsibilities, but I was really happy when I had a goal for myself and for TASC. I understand everyone was experiencing somewhat similar experiences because they’re doing the same thing, but it’s impossible for everyone to take the same thing away. I just wanted them to at least take something, or learn something, and make it their own.

Was the position what you expected?

Jennerson: No. Take ECs, for example, their role is written out on paper. Banquet and Night Market.

Cultural chairs, you have to do certain events that promote Taiwanese culture. You know, like Multimedia, you’d have to edit videos, take pictures, but I don’t think anyone can really write down what a president has to do. I had to slowly find my role, and I think that goes with a lot of the subgroups’ presidents as well.

How are you handling leaving TASC? Are you gonna cry?

Jennerson: I really don’t think so.

Ping: I think it’s a little sad, but we know the E-Board is in good hands.

What’s the most unrewarding challenges of being president?

Jennerson: It eats up my time. A lot of time, most of my time. I feel like a part-time student and a full-time TASC member.

Rewarding and challenging parts of your positions?

Derek: As Multimedia Chair, the most rewarding was my job, recording, editing, and putting something out that people can enjoy. I guess the other part, the struggles, is

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the video editing part, but even though it was hard, it was still fun. I still enjoyed it, enjoyed staying up until 6 eating sh*tty foods and editing videos.

Ping: Putting an event together, and seeing it go from an idea to an actual event, and helping spread a little bit of culture around campus. The most challenging thing, though, is coming up with events that both draw attention and teach culture. If it’s not well known, people don’t show up.

Jennerson: Another thing is that you can see freshmen and new E-Boards develop throughout the year, and that’s really rewarding. I always tell my E-Board that they’re here to put in work, but I want them to have fun doing so, and that’s always rewarding to me to see.

Do you have any tips for people filling in your position?

Jennerson: Stay calm, keep your cool, and always think from the other person’s perspective.

Derek: Be prepared to not sleep. If you enjoy a job, it isn’t a job. For the future Multimedia Chair, just have fun.

Ping: Do your best, and improve through every event that you make.

Stupidest thing you and your E-Board have done together?

Derek: People know me as the guy that was in the dress, because I wore it for Banquet. I’ve done so many things for TASC that I’m really not embarrassed anymore. I’ve stood outside with my shirt as a makeshift bikini, been splashed by water while wearing a wig in front of hundreds of people, walked around in a skirt and crop-top.

Jennerson: You can find all of these on our YouTube channel!

How has the group changed throughout the year? How has it evolved?

Ping: I think when new members first came in, they’re a little more held back, a little more scared.

Throughout the year, they got a little bit more active with their ideas, a little less scared.

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How have you seen yourself grow?

Derek: In the beginning I was just doing it just for the sake of doing it. I made videos on the side, but I wasn’t very passionate about them. Throughout the year, I’ve grown more and more passionate about the club and what I do in general. My video editing skills have gone up, slightly, still a lot of improvement.

What do you use?

Derek: Adobe Premiere Pro. The skills have gone up a little bit. I think I’ve also seen myself grow in communication. In the beginning, when something happened I would ignore it, but sometimes it would get to a point where I couldn’t really ignore it but I continued to try. I learned to speak my mind, to approach others and the problems directly. I don’t waste my time anymore with those things, because the best way to tackle conflict is to tackle it directly.

If you could do it again, how would you change what you did?

Derek: If I could, I’d do a video compilation from the beginning so that we could go back and look at what we did throughout the year, every single event that we held.

Ping: I’d probably try to be more excited about events. At the start of the year, I wasn’t super into it, but now at the end I wish I put more spirit into these events. I would have liked to do that last sprint a little harder.

Any closing words?

Derek: Well, we always need a lot of volunteers for Night Market - we have a form coming out soon, and it comes with free food, and the more people we get helping the better it ends up.

Ping: Try out, come join TASC. Jennerson: Also come to all our other events! We have Picnic, Banquet, Open Gym Night, and a bunch of others throughout the year. Thanks for having us, AO, and good luck Derek.

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P A L Events Lantern and S’mores, Apple Picking, PAL Banquet: Masquerade, Dance Frogshops, Turon Fundraiser, Kamayan with the Kababayans, Fam Feud, Game Ka Na Ba, PAL x Gamma Sigma Zeta Discussion: The War on Drugs, PAL x BSU: Who Gets To Say The N Word?, The 29th Annual Barrio Fiest: The One With The Final Lap, PAL x SHADES: Drag History Crash Course Interviewees Josh: president, senior Sabrina: VP, senior

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ow do you think this year went?

Josh: Pretty good.

We can tell by the numbers. We have 80 active numbers. This point last year, it was close to 30 active numbers. In that sense, we are doing a good job in keeping the members active and engaged.

Sabrina: As the year went on, we saw a consistent number of faces.

Favorite event?

Josh: My fav would be the collab with BSU and KASA, the food event where we asked them to cook cultural meals with us and served it to our members Filipino style, eating with their hands and ate on banana leafs on the table. Big turnout and very fun and everyone loved the food. One of the first events where I felt we were doing something right because there was such a huge turnout and everyone was having fun with it as a collab How did you guy get involved with PAL? Josh: For me, it was Barrio show freshman year. I’m not very involved in the beginning of freshman year until I join the show, which is why I’m very passionate about putting on Barrio every year because it was the main event that pulled me into the org and has kept me in it throughout all these years. I joined the singing group acapella and met a lot of people. Through that I became very close with one of the members that became president.

Do you think PAL changed a lot since you became a member?

Sabrina: Our presence increased on campus. Back then, there was a

lack of culture, and over the years, there is more focus on the Filipino culture.

Josh: As freshman, our general body were primarily non-Filipino.

Back then, the events were catered towards appealing to people in general and not so much on highlighting the culture. Over the years, we tried to bring it back to the culture and find a way to make the culture appealing not only to Filipinos, but also to other groups of people so that we keep our members interested and also keeping true with our mission statement.

I know you mentioned BARRIO pulling you in first.

How do you think BARRIO went this year?

Josh: I enjoyed it and this is

what I enjoy the most.

Sabrina: More emphasis on the culture aspect, compared to previous years, was definitely an improvement.

How would you try to sell the club to incoming freshmen?

Josh: Whenever we talk about PAL to other people, we place emphasis on family and we emphasize this to the members. When you join PAL, you join family. Especially for freshman and transfers. There are people who care about you when you go to an event.

As the group has grown, how do you feel you have grown?

Sabrina: Having a leadership role takes you out of your comfort zone, it drags you and puts you out there to take on responsibilities for a large org. Public speaking, managing large crowds, taking and giving orders, making decisions for everyone else. That made me much more of a leader, much more mature and professional compared to what I was freshman year and personally, I’ve become much more comfortable with being social. Being in PAL

completely unbiased. I was the cultural chair for two years and this was the best one out of the four years I’ve been a part of, because my cultural chairs this year were deliberately making sure the show was cultural, socially and politically relevant, especially the skit which many complimented on. With DACA and commenting on the LGBT community. . .a lot of people enjoyed that and whenever the audience like what we make. That

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itself, and not E-Board, takes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to talk to people.

Josh: You definitely become a little more mature and I think that comes from any E-Board position and not just specific to PAL. Were your positions what you expected them to be?

Josh: For me, yes. President, I wasn’t expecting it to be as intense as it is but I’m not surprised that it is. The biggest adjustment that I had to make was getting used to having people come to you for everything, for every issue. It wasn’t something I was used to because when I was cultural chair and educational chair, I had the former president to lean on when there was something going wrong. I had older people that I

class man and more experienced E-Board member, people definitely go to you more for advice and how to do things, and it’s weird being in that end of the interaction.

Advice for people filling in your positions next year?

Josh: Really have a goal in mind.

I think what made me a somewhat effective president, from the very beginning, my goal was to, and I was very vocal about it when I was running for the position, increase the number of active members we have. If you set a goal for yourself, it shows up in everything you do even if it is something you are not aware of. For example, I would be very deliberate in my effort to talk to everybody at events; make sure I am familiar with everybody and

Our presence increased on campus. Back then, there was a lack of culture, and over the years, there is more focus on the Filipino culture. Over the years, we tried to stay true to our mission statement, finding ways to make the culture appealing not only to Filipinos, but also other groups.

Whenever we talk about PAL to members and other people, we place emphasis on family. When you join PAL, you join family. Especially for freshman and transfers. There are people who care about you when you go to an event. could contact. So being that person for other people was definitely a new experience. Something I expected, but was not prepared for. There is a huge learning curve, it just took some time for me to get used to.

Josh: The position was expected.

The previous VP being the upper

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in that way they feel, at least, there is someone there they are familiar with and that would make them keep coming back to events. We achieved it based on the number.

As long as you keep a goal in mind, everything else will fall into place.

Sabrina: Be more of a helping

hand for more of the E-Board members. Being VP, there isn’t much you are assigned. Especially since the position of the E-Board is to fulfill the other E-Board positions if they are absent, they should be well knowledgeable of what the other positions are doing and be aware of what’s going on on E-Board. It’s important for the VP to reach out to other chairs and help them if they need help and be there for the other members to relieve stress.

How would you describe each other in one word?

Josh: She is reliable; if I did not have the seniors that are currently on E-Board, I would have probably gone insane. Especially S, she is very supportive and very aware of everything that is happening when it comes to the events other chairs are hosting. She is very responsible in that if I ask her a question about something that I don’t remember, usually she would know and she was a good support system.

Sabrina: Josh is very passionate.

With that passion, he created so many new ideas for PAL and goals for the year. And it really showed with his projects. There are a lot of new aspects to PAL that he added to the organization itself.

What was something you always wanted to do?

Something on your bucket list?

Josh: I definitely want to travel more. Growing up, I never really had the chance to travel much. I don’t want to travel just for the sake of traveling. I want to make it productive and relevant to the career I’m pursuing, i.e. traveling to do volunteer work, that’s the dream I have in mind.

Sabrina: Honestly, I just want to relax. Being on E-Board for three years and being a science major was so much busy work. I feel like every weekend is busy with an event. I just want to lay back and watch a movie, but yeah, that’s what I would hope for.

How are you guys coping with leaving PAL next year?

Josh: I’ll have withdrawals, jk. I’m fine, I don’t care about them, jk. We have a very solid alumni network so even when we graduate, we will still be very updated with everything that is happening with PAL. Every year with BARRIO, there are a lot of alumni who show up so you can really tell how PAL has affected so many that they are willing to drive all the way up here to Binghamton to watch BARRIO. I’m not super upset that we’re leaving because I know we’ll be back.

Sabrina: Especially being in the organization for so long, it’s definitely going to be weird not

being a part of it anymore and not seeing your friends everyday. I guess that just comes with graduating.

What’s your favorite memory this year?

Sabrina: I would say BARRIO. At the end of the show, there’s usually senior tribute. Being a senior and having it for you rather than just watching it like previous years, definitely a sad feeling being on stage for the last time. At the end of BARRIO, it is always a good happy feeling seeing the show was a great success, that everything went well. I think at the end of the show I cried.

Josh: It would have to be the first GIM we had. Because it was my first event as president, I had very first hesitation and doubt about whether I was qualified for the position.

There was a huge turnout, 120+.

Looking back at that moment now, it’s a little sentimental because it was the start to your end. Thinking about it was a little emotional. The number of people that showed up to the GIM is a testament of the impact the organization has here on campus, and to have been given the opportunity to lead that organization throughout the year and seeing those people keep coming back and thinking about that memory makes me happy inside.

Anything else you want to add?

Josh: Join PAL!

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K A S A Events Big & Lil Potluck, Korean Banquet, Korean Night, basketball tournaments, Open Gym Night Interviewee Josh Shin: incoming adviser (senior-18-19), president (junior), VP (junior), mentor chair (sophomore)

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as the position as the president what you expected?

I think for people that are interested and are inspired to be president, definitely, you have your expectation about what it’s going to be like, but until when you’re really in the thick of it, you kind of have to learn from experience. At least that’s been my experience. Definitely, there were expectations. My previous president tried to fill in as much as possible. Learning on the fly, like experience things and just like what kind of person you are, your personality, your leadership is definitely I think will vary from person to person. I think overall, the president role is a lot but it’s worth it.

How did you see yourself grow? What did you learn as a person?

The biggest thing as a president, you learn how to be a leader, how to work with other people and coordinate.

I think there is a lot of different personality on the E-Board and learning to work together as a team is one of the biggest thing I’ve grown in.

My time at KASA, each year I was involved in building me for this role, and learning what it means to be the head of the organization.

And also, I learned a lot of things about myself personally: how I am under pressure, how I handle responsibility and how really in order to have a successful E-Board, you have to have a good team around you. Learning when to ask for help, learning how to manage time better. There’s been a lot of personal gain, but also hopefully, I was able to leave my impression, and my mark on the organization. On the E-Board.

What was the most rewardinga nd what are some challenges?

There’s definitely a lot of challenges, a lot of

responsibilities. Being a president is a big time commitment. For those who are interested and inspired, I’m not gonna sugarcoat and say it’s easy.

In the heat of the moment, you might not see it.

Sometimes that reflection or realization doesn’t come in later on. As the year gone and I’m taking a step back, just looking at what we were able to do, how far we came as an E-Board, really being able to see that hard work and those sleepless nights come to fruition, that’s the most rewarding. That’s when you really, in the moment sometimes it’s really stressful. But ultimately, when you take a step back, that’s when you are really able to see it’s worth it.

There are definitely a lot of challenges having a group of people and trying to coordinate schedules and do different events, but I think a lot of challenges like the time commitment and things like that, it just kinds of come with the territory.

It’s just part of the position.

That’s a juggle, too, being a neuro major and being the president of a really large student organization.

Yeah, I think trying to figure out that balance was an initial challenge for

me for sure.

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You have to sacrifice a lot.

I like that you use that word sacrifice. Part of being president means you’ll have to sacrifice a lot.

I hope the sacrifice that you make in the end will hopefully be worth it.

What would be the tip that you would give to him? As president to president.

Definitely take it slow, and know that you won’t be perfect right away. You’ll make mistakes. Don’t let that discourage you from fulfilling the role. Just know that you’re in that position for a reason. The president that chose before you, you’re ready for the role. It seems overwhelming at first, but in the end, you’ll make it through.

How are you handling leaving the E-Board?

It’s bittersweet in a sense.

Bitter that a lot of seniors are graduating and we won’t see them anymore.

It’s sweet that the future of KASA is bright to see what the new E-Board would be doing differently.

I think each year, there’re new members and it’s a different dynamic. I think that’s part of the variety, part of the fun.

How has the group changed throughout the year during the time you’ve been in it?

What are the different dynamics from last year to this year?

Year to year, president to president, the dynamic is certainly different. Over the past 4 years, I still definitely feel like KASA was a family to me.

That was the initial reason why I was drawn in. I felt that when I was a sophomore, the incoming president made me feel like I was part of family.

It was like a social community I can put myself into, and my junior as Vice president, I tried to play a part as much as I could fostering that same environment. Finally, as president, I feel like that 18 ASIAN OUTLOOK

was a combination of trying to feel like home for me and for my E-Board members.

What was the best event? Worst event?

What was a step forward? A step back?

Due to some administrative things, we weren’t able to do our kimbap-making event that we normally have every year. That was a challenge for us. It’s one of our biggest events and we love to do it but unfortunately, we weren’t able to.

The best event, aside from Korean Night, was our sports event. I think it was very successful. We’ve had people from Syracuse come and Cornell was interested. We were able to communicate with outside schools and put on tournaments that I thought was done pretty well. A lot of people came out and had fun.

So that was a pretty successful moment for us.

How do you appeal or sell KASA to unknowing freshmen?

We’re the Korean American S t u d e n t Association, but you don’t have to be Korean to be a part of our organization. The president last year was Chinese, which is kind of cool. The big reason why I joined KASA was because I felt like it was a family and it felt like a tight-knitted community. At the same time, it’s a balance. We don’t wanna seem exclusive. We want to be inclusive, but also, make each and everyone of our members feel like a family with a sense of community. So I think through our social events and big-little program, we want incoming students to feel like KASA is something that should be a part of their college experience.

If each BOD prez was an animal, what would they be?

I think something with high energy and bubbly personality ‘d capture a lot of BOD presidents.

Hobbies/bucket list?

Hike, travel, stay active, backpack in South America.

How would the E-Board describe you?

Probably stressed. Funny maybe. Hardworking I think.

What’s something outside members would not expect from your E-Board?

Sometimes, we get a reputation that we’re intimidating. I don’t think we are. We’re all super nice. Come talk to us, ask us how we’re doing.

Definitely some quirks and fun stuffs, I think.

Don’t hesitate to approach us. We’re really super cool, come hang out with us, ask us if you got any questions.

Any final words?

Thank you for the opportunity. I’m really glad to have worked with wonderful BOD presidents and to Scotman who’s taking over for KASA next year.

Good luck, you got this!

Year in Review 2017-18

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H K E S Events 23rd Banquet Game Show, Hot Dog Bao Fundraiser, Cantonese Workshop, Egg Tart Fundraiser, Gingerbreak House Making, Hong Kong Cafe, Char Siu Fundraiser, Chinese Poker Night, HKES Street Fair 2018: The Bachelor Interviewees Lloyd (publicity chair), Robin (event coordinator), Esther (transitional), Jared (transitional), Brian (transitional)

20 ASIAN OUTLOOK

W

hat about HKES attracted you?

Lloyd: Unlike the subgroups under ASU, we’re more close-knit like a family. I think that’s what I most enjoy about HKES. Brian: There’s also more freedom as to what we can do, because we don’t have to follow ASU guidelines.

Robin: I feel like HKES is more independent as a club than other cultural organizations. We have our own guidelines and freedom to do all kind of events we want, any collab with any org.

Was the position what you expected?

Robin: From my perspective, there are more responsibilities that it seems; ‘cause event coordinators are responsible for at least one banquet Esther: As a transitional, I really appreciated the openness of shadowing the entire E-Board, which gave us a well rounded experience to see how each role plays in an integrative whole.

And like Brian said, our experiences are what we made out of it, which is very rewarding What did you learn this year in your position?

Brian: As a transitional, it’s like first-times for everything. You’d learned about all of the tiny things that you have to take into account, your audience, how they view your performances, during event-planning.

Jared: You learn as much as you look, so the harder you look, you’d realize there’s that much details required for a certain activity. If you just go with the flow without really paying attention, you won’t learn as much. It’s up to the person.

Major obstacles this year?

Robin: As an event coordinator, the most difficult was booking rooms. Our booking requests were rejected multiple times.

Publicity-wise, we had to compete against ASU cultural groups, and we’re doing pretty good.

Lloyd: We really ramped up publicity for Street Fair compared to previous years and kept people up to date on Instagram, which is something we lacked before.

How do you appeal HKES to incoming freshmen?

We’re a HK club. We try to cater to the Asian population, but we also extend our invitations to other groups to diversify.

What were your favorite moments?

Street fair. There was the unexpected: the Union usually doesn’t do fire drills, but it happened during our intermission, which was a lucky part. Prep can always be done better, for example we could have practiced more on our dancing.

Looking back...

Lloyd: Overcoming all the challenges as a group was a success itself. Interns worked extremely hard, more than we expected, they were the reasons why we‘re a success.

Any last words?

Everyone’s support is what makes us work really hard to produce the best events possible, especially coming from a small org to create a big production every year. We makes mistakes and improv half the time.

Shout out to our hype man, Derek Ting, for stirring up the crowd when no one is saying anything. He’s always cheering. And shout out to our photographers, Andrew and Richard.

Fun facts: Kelly Zhang or Irene Yip are most likely to become famous celeb (actress), personalitywise.

Lloyd’s bucket lists: travel to Barcelona, hot air balloon, own a motorcycle.

Year in Review 2017-18

21

22 ASIAN OUTLOOK

Year in Review 2017-18

23

C A S U Events Big & Little Social, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chrysanthemum Tea Fundraiser, DumplingMaking, Char Siu Fundraiser, Lunar Banquet, CASU Cultural Week, the 36th Annual China Night, Burrito-Making Interviewees Jenny (president), Jason (VP), Erica (event coordinator (EC)), Michelle (cultural chair), Rinka (social chair), Rachel (pub chair), Vivian (secretary), Katy (intern), Tiffany (EC intern), Calvin (intern), Jennifer (intern) 24 ASIAN OUTLOOK

H

ow did you join the E-Board?

Jenny: I joined Spring 2016 as an intern for Social and Cultural Chairs; I liked it but it kind of felt isolated from everyone because at that time interns weren’t really close to the E-Board, so I didn’t apply for E-Board the year after. When the next semester rolled around, the Cultural position opened again and I was coerced to run [laughs], and I wound up really liking it and here I am.

Was the position what you Expected it to be?

Jenny: When I was the Cultural Chair, it was easier on me because Jason, who was already elected, planned out every single event in very, very, very, high details so I just helped him with that. It was stressful with last-minute planning; we forgot a lot of stuff and we didn’t know a lot of things too, but in the end all the events turned out really well and we’re proud of what was achieved.

Being President, personally, I didn’t expect it to be this stressful. I had to push myself to be more assertive but at times I couldn’t because I can’t yell at people, but I think it’s very rewarding to be President. I love my E-Board a lot!

Did anyone else feel like it was much different or pretty much in line with what they expected their positions to be?

Tiffany: As an Events Coordinator intern, when I first did my interview everyone made it very clear that the Events Coordinator has the most work; at my interview I was like “yeah, I know I can handle it. I’m good with managing my time.” Being an intern really opened up my eyes to actually see how much work goes behind running the show, definitely a lot of tasks & prep works. I can see why you really have to dedicate

your time and your efforts into making a show successful.

Jennifer: I feel like I learned a lot this semester because this semester we had to step up and play a more active role instead of just coming to the events and supporting the E-Board.

Does everyone think the year went well?

How did it compare to last year?

Jason: I personally can’t really say since I’m in a different position. Last year I was in the position of Cultural Chair and my job was to plan out two cultural events and to spread our Chinese culture.

This year since I’m in a different position there’s a lot more stress. You have to look at every single

position itself and I’m not just working with one position anymore.

A different E-Board would also run things differently; this year was more of a lenient and a relaxed tone while last year was a more strict, onbook and on-deadlines.

How much planning did you guys do for China Night? What was the process?

Erica: My Co-Events Coordinator is not here.

My Co Events Coordinator is Andrew. Starting last semester he did a lot of the looking for performers. We created a whole grants list and Year in Review 2017-18

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funding lists over winter break. Everything’s meshed, this semester was sort of rough because we really had to put everything together for the 36th Annual China Night. We had to accommodate a shrinked budget. Our EC interns helped us write the skit, which was very helpful, because the skit this year is, I think, a lot better than normal skits. Lots of work but if you were to plan it out better, which I think I didn’t do that well, it would be more manageable. But we’re almost there [China Night].

Do you have any favorite programming or events that went on this year?

Katy: My favorite event was Lunar Banquet. Since I’m a Social and Cultural Rotational Intern, I helped a lot with Lunar Banquet because it’s the biggest cultural event of the Spring Semester and it’s the biggest

project that Cultural Chairs are responsible for.

I shadowed the Cultural Chairs, helped make decorations, brainstormed game ideas, contacted performers, including BU Breakers. It was a lot more work than I expected, but it was very rewarding because you could see the outcome.

We’re going to just see how many people came and supported us and how they reacted to the 26 ASIAN OUTLOOK

performances.

What is the most rewarding part about doing what you do here?

Rinka: The most rewarding part I would say is when you finally finish all your planning and you get to see how people are so happy to be there and they came out to support you.

Does anyone have a favorite memory or funny memory from this year?

Jenny: It’d have to be Calvin’s interview.

Calvin: Do I have to tell this story? Alright. So

during my interview I was very nervous because I didn’t know them, they didn’t know me, and one of the questions was kind of a curveball.

They asked me to “do something right now that will make us remember you.” On the spot, I didn’t know what to do so I was like “hmm, might as well.” I turned around with my back to the E-Board and I just dropped it low. I guess it worked ‘cause, you know, I’m an intern.

Would you doing recommend that to other people going for E-Board positions?

Calvin: Depends on the situation. You just have to feel it in your gut to do it.

Do you have any advice or tips for next year’s E-Board?

Michelle: I have a lot of faith in them. I think our interns will hold it down, and so will Rinka, so I’m not worried. They have great potential, y’all so great [to the E-Board-elect]. AND SO CUTE!

Jenny: Erica: so so caring, very caring. Vivien: funny. Jennifer: savage. Michelle: even more savage. Rachel: mysterious, very shy but she’s not really shy. Rinka: very cheerful. Katy: stylish.

Tiffany: irrelevant, no I’m kidding! Bubbly.

If your president was an animal what animal would she be? Describe your president in one word.

Michelle: “A bunny, so soft and so sweet, makes everything bright.”

Others: Bubbly. Nice. Genuine. Kind-hearted.

Loving. Passionate. Like a mother.

Jenny, describe each E-Board member in one word.

Calvin: derpy, my favorite derp. Jason: a very good Vice President.

Do you have any parting words?

Erica: It was really fun bonding with you all. I know I didn’t get to bond with each specifically but when we went to the Poconos and sort of road tripped, that was really nice because it was my first time at the Poconos and being able to share it with you.

Year in Review 2017-18

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B U J A Events Ghost House, Japan Night, Onigiri-Making, Otsukimi (moon festival), Senko (Big-Little) Interviewees Toshi (president), Nanami (incoming president, event coordinator), Corinna (incoming VP, event coordinator), Danielle (designer), Anson (transitional)

28 ASIAN OUTLOOK

H

ow did you join BUJA? Corinna: I’m half-Japanese, I want to stay in touch with my roots and introduce the Japanese culture to the student body, ‘cause Japanese is a minority group here in Binghamton. When I first came here, I met a senior, Vivian Wong, at freshmen orientation. When she knew I’m half-Japanese, she introduced me to BUJA. “You should join! You have to! It’d be so cool, we can join it together!” She was so friendly, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of that.

Toshi: I knew about BUJA before I came to BU. I didn’t know anyone in NY, so personally reaching to a Japanese association would help me make friends and transition into Binghamton life here.

I reached out to them via email before coming here, and came to their tabling.

Everyone seemed nice, so I joined.

How did this year go?

Toshi: Last semester, we held Ghost House, which we didn’t have last year. I was really nervous ‘cause it was my first time coordinating it with the event coordinators.

But thanks to my E-Board, ghost house turned out really well that received positive comments This year we got much more involvement from general body members. Specifically, our Japan Night got more than 40 general body members involved as performers, especially for our fashion show. Every year, we don’t get many general body members as performers.

What’s BUJA’s social dynamic like?

Anson: It’s definitely a very positive environment, everyone is very supportive and welcoming.

Danielle: It’s simply hanging out with friends, because I already hung out with most of the

E-Board before joining. So, it’s just friendship and hanging out in a meeting setting.

Corinna: I think we ‘re really chilled. We don’t really get into arguments, ever, not that I can remember of. We laugh more than we stress out.

Everyone respects and wants to be friends to one another.

Any challenges?

Corinna: This year was the first year that I did Ghost House. New event coordinators obviously never had that experience here at Binghamton.

Not having that prior knowledge of coordinating the Ghost House was a difficulty.

Toshi: The most challenging part as president was defiantly managing people and asking them to work. Because BUJA has a lot of juniors and senior, I didn’t want people to be assigned too many tasks, that was my first policy.

Thankfully, people worked really well beyond my expectations.

What would you improve or do differently?

Danielle: I would like to make and include croquettes, small fried potato pancakes, in our cultural events. So come to our next event to try them out.

Corinna: There are some events that we could have improved on. For example, in our Otsukimi, a cultural event that celebrates the beauty of the moon, we were caught up in the food aspects rather than emphasizing the cultural aspects and explaining its significance. Another one that didn’t go too well was Senko, an equivalent of the big-little program, in which we didn’t get as many people as we expected.

Nanami: I want to make Japan Night next year more awesome, with more efficient scheduling and people-management. As an incoming president, I want to create an atmosphere where people feel Year in Review 2017-18

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challenged, but at the same time, feel comfortable to reach out to ask for help when needed.

Toshi: I’d try to reach out to other orgs for more collabs, instead of mainly focusing on internal relations this year. I’d also make some connections with the Japanese department, because we didn’t have a chance to plan an education event this year.

How has BUJA changed?

Corinna: In the past, we often got stuck because we struggled on being the same page; one person thought we’re doing this while another thought we’re doing that, which caused lots of delays.

This year, the E-Board members had a common goal for the group and became more efficient in preparation for the events while still having fun.

What was your favorite memory?

Toshi: Everything (laugh). When I first came, I didn’t like Binghamton ‘cause I didn’t have many friends. After joining BUJA and making memories, BUJA makes this place feels like home and that I belong here.

Any final words?

Toshi: Pretty much all the memories I made in Binghamton were with BUJA, I’m very sad to be leaving the E-Board next year. But I’m confident to say next year, there’ll be a much-more-amazing BUJA with the incoming E-Board.

To our general body members, thank you so much for supporting BUJA this year. It was an amazing year and none of it couldn’t have been a success without you.

30 ASIAN OUTLOOK

Toshi, if each ASU BOD president was an animal, what would they be?

TASC Jennerson = Cat (always calm & chill) CASU Jenny = Bird, perhaps a yellow crane KASA Josh = Dog PAL Mac Josh = Red-tailed panda VSA Jimmy = Lion BUJA Toshi, myself = Baby dog / puppy (cute) AO Nina = Koala (gentle, move slowly) ASU Sam = Dolphin (smart, organized) Describe each of your E-Board member in 1 word Nana, ec, prez – 100% positive Corinna, vp - organized Danielle, designer / art director – funny Nikky, financial VP – fast Ping, internal VP – slow Ted, internal VP – chill Nanami, event coordinator - smiley Jose, event coordinator – chill, honest (secretly mean ^.^) Allison, publicity chair– energetic Chuan, secretary – peaceful Anson – paparazzi (she’ve got skills) Kai, cultural chair – active Koki, cultural chair – serious Kakeru, multimedia – late Saemi, treasurer – royal Toshi (describing myself) – lazy

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A O Events Spicy Ramen Challenge, Asian Game Night, AOxLINK Discussion: North Korean & Trump, AOxParanormal: Horror Movie Night, Thai Iced Tea Fundraiser Interviewees Nina Ocampo: president (senior 2017-18) copy-editor (junior 2016-17) intern (sophomore 2015-16)

32 ASIAN OUTLOOK

How did you join AO and its E-Board?

I didn’t know much of anything about the Asian-American community here at Bing my freshman year, actually. I was just looking at bulletin boards in the Union in my second semester here and there was this flyer about a GIM for an AsianAmerican student run magazine and I immediately thought, “Whoa, I want to learn more about this!” so I went and met some very nice people.

I decided to join E-Board because I felt kinda cut off from the rest of the club, which was mostly E-Board, if I remember correctly. I tried to get into E-Board two times before actually getting in as an intern halfway through sophomore year after attempting to run for layout editor.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have done so great as a layout editor anyway haha.

How did you come to be EiC and was it what you expected?

Last year, I became a copy editor after interning. I intended to become a copy editor again this year, but no one wanted to be president, and my seniors asked me to to pretend to be president, and then I agreed simply because I didn’t want the club die.

Come fall, and I asked everyone if we should do an actual election for this, and they said “Nah, you were doing it already so you might as well keep doing it.” I felt pretty unprepared at first, but everyone helped me adjust and we took off! The thing that most surprised me was how much socializing, in and out of the club, I had to do as EiC. I’m not a very social person, so although I got more used to it, it still exhausted me. . .

How did you see yourself grow as EiC? What did you learn from it?

Well, this was the most leadershippy thing I’ve ever done and really, I’m just so used to listening in the background that I struggled to direct people and make decisions for

the whole club. Like dang, I’m used to taking orders, not giving them!

I’ve definitely grown more assertive, especially in the face of timesensitive deadlines that I can’t afford to wait for everyone else to pitch in on, or after not getting much feedback from almost everyone. Somehow I also felt guilty for ordering people around and while I still feel it now, it’s gotten a little easier. My team also taught me better teamwork and team accountability since I was prone to trying to do a lot of things myself and then blaming myself for everything that went wrong.

Speaking of your team, what’s a fun memory you had with them this year?

We were doing E-Board bonding, and we were playing this drinking game called Kings, and someone drew a king and made a rule that no one could talk in English! It was so hilarious. It was also so cool how some people were fluent or able to communicate well enough in another language, though you could tell who couldn’t speak anything other than English too haha.

What was a step forward from last year? What was a step backwards?

I did my best to encourage a friendlier atmosphere this year compared to last year, and I believe it worked! I feel a stronger friendship between everyone on E-Board this year, and we’ve rolled out a bunch of new stuff, like our podcast Inside Outlook, our blog on our Facebook page and the Spicy Ramen Competition event. On the other hand, organization has gone down and I keep having problems with people dropping out of things at the last minute and not meeting deadlines.

How have you seen the club or the magazine change over your whole time here?

I’ll admit that I personally

wasn’t paying too much attention during my first two years here, but I know AO has shifted over time since its founding from being more informative to more opinionated.

We’ve also shifted from more on the political side to what people have called a lifestyle magazine. This year, we had more cultural stuff in our issues than political, which I admit I’d rather see an even amount of both, or more politics since AO is supposed to be political.

If there was anything you could redo this year in E-Board, what would you change?

I would have put my foot down more regarding deadlines and hesitated less, full stop. I think a lot of the problem was me not being comfortable in the position yet, so maybe this is just hindsight being 20/20.

How are you handling leaving E-Board, especially since you’ve been involved for so long?

Aw man, I’m kinda sad about it. I love this club, and I’ve grown to love the people in E-Board this year. I’ll definitely feel a little lonely without them! That said, a part of me will feel relieved to not have the responsibilities of EiC anymore, and I feel confident that next year’s E-Board will accomplish more, especially since most of this year’s E-Board decided to join again. I would like to visit them if I could.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to sing, crochet, and hit people with glorified pool noodles in LARP (Live Action Roleplay). I also dabble in drawing and writing.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Not really. I guess I would like to advise people to pay more attention to the issues in the world because they may be closer to you than you think.

Also, take mental health breaks.

Those are important.

Year in Review 2017-18

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Dear Nina,

Thank you for coming with me to the CIW Winter Fest when I didn’t had anyone to go Thank you for devoting your time to AO and with. Thank you for always being there for doing your best to help us grow. Everything will me and listening to my frustrations. Thank feel very different without you :( You spread joy you for being so honest with yourself and and brightness with your warm greetings and sharing your vulnerabilities. I tend to hide hugs. Thank you for leaving a great impression my problems and insecurities from the on AO!! world, but you’re not afraid to be vocal Best, Camille about yourself, and as the President, you really inspire me to be more open about myself like that. Truthfully. Thank you for being the President of AO, and more importantly, for being my friend. I know you’re worried about your I still remember when I first joined AO last Christmas at future, but you’ll find a Benny’s place everyone was doing their gift swap, you were way. I’ll definitely check the one who didn’t want me to watch other people awkwardly out LARP in the future and prepared a gift for me. I was the new comer who basically because of you! 200 word didn’t know anything about AO and the warmth that you limit doesn’t express alot brought me that day really made me believe that I was going more things I’m grateful to be part of group that’s like a little family. I’m really bad toward you. I love you, at receiving gift but thank you so much! For everything!

Nina, and I wish you only Hopefully you will not deal with as much stress and anxiety as the best in the future. in college after graduation and I just want to let you know you – Haythi are not alone with that and I will always hope the best for you!

– Haoran

Nina Ocampo About History major, Spanish minor Hobbies: sing, crochet, LARP (Live Action Roleplay)

34 ASIAN OUTLOOK

AO’s Involvement president, senior 2018-19 copy editor, junior 2017-18 intern, sophomore spring 2017

Though comprised of all-star individuals, Asian Outlook’s executive board is little without proper leadership. Nina, you have provided our humble publication with a balance of vision and artistic freedom, a balance vital to AO’s success. No one knits scarves like you do, no one LARPs like you do and no one shows they care like you do. You offered guidance to us novice members and challenge to the veteran editors.

Now, we can’t wait to see how you guide and challenge the world outside of this quirky subgroup and brainshaped campus. As Tram said, you are “officially too cool for school,” Nina! Good luck with all you do in the future! You will be missed, but we know you’ll be killing it no matter what you do. - Mike

I might have lied and took you for granted, a little, when I said “I’m not sure if I’ll miss you next year” :P There won’t be anyone next year to answer my random, out-of-the-blue questions in such a quick and responsive manner as you did, especially during 3-4 AM, and to patiently fix my grammar mistakes and put up with my silly nagging. Thanks to your easy-going and loving personality, it was comfortable for me to easily share my worries, struggles and disappointments with, which doesn’t happen very often.

I truly think it was incredible of you to step up for AO’s presidency, knowing how introverted you are and how unprepared you felt, you still took the job and shined anyway, just like how you will with your future!

- Tram

Hey, Nina!

Thank you for being President at Asian Outlook.

Your quirkiness was always a delight to experience.

Although I’ve only gotten to know you for two semesters, I did share some sentimental moments with you. You cared about what other people thought, helped edit many of our mistakes and laughed at my failed jokes. Walking on campus, I was always glad when I ran into you and it made our Asian community feel tighter. I hope you have a wonderful transition for what is to come. Take a big breather tbecause great things are to come! Please visit soon!

With love, Michelle

When I first joined AO, before I learn your name, I always remember you as the girl who carries knitting during our meetings. It’s gonna be so sad when next year I won’t be seeing you round in AO. You are as a generous and kind person, you took on the role of President so bravely when AO was in need, and you always concern about everyone and making sure everyone is okay. Your presence makes AO such a warm and loving place. I know senior year stressed you out a lot, but you did it! Keep being the wonderful person you are. Wish you the best of luck in the future!

- Mengshu

Year in Review 2017-18

35

Dear

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ee

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I know you’ll definitely do something great when you finally graduate from Bing, so good luck out there and don’t forget “We are worth the trip”!!!! LOL. - Haythi

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es l, ov

squish & k n

You’re really funny. I still remember how hard I laughed the time you were poking around at Jrod twins when we learned that they were the guest performers. That got to be my favorite memory of you besides our time in Flushing. You’re also not afraid to say what’s on your mind and be yourself, which is something I admire alot about you. Also, thanks for always roasting kids from other specialized high schools with me. I’ll definitely miss not having someone to do that with in the future.

nim

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Tiffany, I'm so sad that one of my closest friends from AO is graduating on time and is leaving :( You are the most honest person I know and is always so calm even when things are stressful. I know you wil always tell me the truth when I come to you for advice and I know I'll receive it with no judgement.

Also!! Thank you for luring me to your room for some yummy snacks: "If you don’t have enough for the class, don't bring any!!" I'll miss you!!

Best, Camil e

You have a godsend ability to uplift an(y) atmosphere, to turn troubles into humor, to pull people in with your jokes and quirks and overpower them with your assertiveness, unexpectedly.

You’re more of a treasure, than a treasurer, of AO. Not that you haven’t done well as a treasurer, ‘cause we can always get someone else to be the treasurer, but we won’t have another Tiffany to be on our board. Good luck!

- Tram

History Major AO’s Treasurer 2016-17, 2017-18

Tiffany Tung 36 ASIAN OUTLOOK

As soon as I met you, I know that you will always be that cute person who’s always touching everyone to show your affection to those people you love in our AO family. No just kidding you’re the coolest person!

I love how you could always make people feel so comfortable and close to you with your fantastic humor. I don’t know who can fill up the emptiness that you will leave us here in AO for now but I hope no one can because no one can replace you! Please come back and visit!

- Haoran

The best part about any organization is the group of people you connect with- that’s one cliche that’s true.

Tiffany, you’ve been an incredible role model and, more importantly, friend to all of our AO members. Even Michelle said she’s striving to be like you, a “dominant assertive woman” (in a good way, ha ha). You won’t be with us next year, but you’ll definitely be present in spirit. I anticipate the phrase “if Tiffany were here, she’d…” being dropped quite a bit.

Good luck Tiffany. Whatever your next step in life may be, I’m sure you’ll do it better than anyone else. Stop by some time!

- Mike

I remember you from my first semester here.

I went to AO’s GIM, afterwards you came to talk to me, and told me your Chinese name is “round round”. That’s when I had a feeling that AO might just be the warm and fun place I was hoping for. A year later when I joined AO, I get to know you as the witty treasurer in e-board and so much more. You always make me feel so warm inside when you named the pig I gave you for Christmas and put it on your desk, when you told me you also haven’t written the paper for our history class when it was due the next day, or when you speak cute Taiwanese mandarin to me and keep calling me “mensu”.

Whatever comes next, graduate school, job or history teacher, wish you good luck with all of them in the future!

– Mengshu

Tiffany!

I cannot thank you enough for your openness and lovable personality. You made Asian Outlook a relaxing, welcoming and fun place to go every Friday. I will miss your assertiveness, professional side and unique voice. From finding out that we share similar traits in Never Have I Ever to seeing you throw them balls into the bowling lane, I will never stop watching you with awe. Don’t scoff when you read this, but I look up to you.

You may be smol, but everything about you makes you stand out from everyone. You are going to dominate in everything that you do, as you already do. Keep being you and never change!

From, Daughter

Year in Review 2017-18

37

A S U Events Sad React Snack Pack Fundraiser, Asian Pacific Anmerican Heritage Month 2018, Basketbal Tournament, Self-Care Spa Day, Munchies Madness, Ramen and Registration, ASUxBAMS: Hapa and You, DIY Diyas for Diwali, ASU Study Abroad Panel, Asian Night 2017: Bridges and Borders Interviewees Sam, Karen, Katie, Alice, Kelly, Eddie, Richard, Ayessa, Priyanka, Debbie, Jeff, Janice, Katie, Ting, Karen, Sydney, Mike

38 ASIAN OUTLOOK

What’s the best part about ASU? Richard: Community, safe space.

Sydney: Ya, the connections you make, the people you meet.

Priyanka: I think being able to be part of a parent organization that celebrates and acknowledges all of these different cultures and heritages, but also being a part of something bigger that actively tries to make a change on campus and raise awareness on things from voter registration to half identities, I think that’s really cool.

What are your funniest moments from this year?

Priyanka: Making a balloon with Ting and Richard’s faces on it.

Karen: The E-Board video filming [for Asian Night], that was fun. We had a “veggie train,” we had Twitter.

Sydney: My fork!

Sam: It was a congested room, but it was very fun.

Priyanka: Going to ECAASU was so much fun!

Karen: It was pretty funny when Janice got very confused because of her bubble tea.

Mike: If you look at the pictures from ECAASU, all of the candids have Janice looking right at the camera, smiling. She knew every time!

Can some of you give a one word description of Sam? Karen: Crazy.

Katie: Khaleesi.

Alice: Caring.

Kelly: Hard working.

Eddie : Ambitious.

Richard: Understanding.

Ayessa: Determined.

Priyanka: Studious.

Debbie: Grounded.

Jeff: Caring.

Janice: Empowering.

Katie: Khaleesi, driven.

Ting: Driven, wholesome.

Karen: Crazy, Nurturing.

Sydney: Bubbly.

Mike: Principled.

Can Sam (P) and Karen (VP) give one-word descriptions for everyone on E-Board?

Alice: eccentric.

Kelly: budding, in various ways.

Eddie: critical thinker.

Richard: intentional. Ayessa: Kind hearted, and very inclusive.

Priyanka: empathetic, caring.

Debbie: direct, empowering.

Jeff: Tall, driven. Janice: organized, ha ha, Google calendar / calendar-like, both goal and detail oriented, focused*.

Ting: Logical, critical.

Mike: Thoughtful, ambitious, goal oriented.

Sydney: humorous, blunt when she wants to be. Katie: inclusive, sociable.

Karen: communicative, supportive, a tree, understanding, contextual.

Cali: curious, a listener, a “sponge” [a learner who doesn’t need to show off].

Vivien: creative, low-key, very behind the scenes creative.

Karen, why do you only drink sparkling water?

Karen: Sparkling water is more exciting than plain water, and my life is all about excitement.

Between you and Sam, who is regular water and who is the sparkling water?

Karen: Umm… who drinks the sparkling water!?

Sam: Who IS the sparkling water?

Karen: But I drink it, so I am! *not with her sugar diet tho

Check out INSIDE OUTLOOK PODCAST #8 >>> at soundcloud.com/asianoutlook >>> featuring ASU outgoing president Samantha Ng and incoming president Priyanka Das. Year in Review 2017-18

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Inside Outlook Podcast