AAPI panelists bring awareness to the similarities and differences in their communities

By Autumn Layton Features Editor

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is in May, but California State University, Bakersfield decided to celebrate early with an important panel discussion to explore the diverse experiences of the different Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

The panel discussion was on April 19, 2023, in the Student Union MultiPurpose Room at 12:00 p.m. Upon arrival, lunch was provided and Panda Express was on the menu, along with water.

Before the discussion began, Asian Faculty and Staff Network CoChair Aaron Wan gave an amazing introduction to the event.

Then followed International Student Center Director Sonia Siva, who introduced herself and then allowed the panelists to provide background about themselves.

The six panelists were of different ethnic backgrounds, including Samoan, Taiwanese, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern. Some were from CSUB while others were from the broader Bakersfield community.

Each of the panelists’ experiences were different, and they each answered questions with much depth. They were asked about important traditions, advice to give other international students, childhood experiences and social justice issues.

“The Stop Anti-Asian American Hate helped bring attention to the issues in the community,” said Nina Ha, a member of the Bakersfield Chinese Women’s Club.

The panelists shared that the different crimes that occurred in the Asian community affected and hurt them.

Dr. Patrick Leung, a Bakersfield physician, shared his experience with visiting the Bay Area and wondering why all the Chinese shops closed early. This was due to the community vandalizing and stealing from Chinese restaurants and shops. The reason for all the hate was that they preyed on the most vulnerable community.

“The Chinese not fighting back, but the Koreans will,” said Dr. Leung. By not fighting back, the Chinese community became a target, which caused them financial loss when closing businesses early.

Each panelist agreed that cultural traditions, including food, family, and dances are what’s the most important to carry on throughout generations.

CSUB junior Wefaq Alshami, who is Yemen and Middle Eastern, shared her family’s experience with Ramadan.

“At the end of the month they celebrate with a party, we don’t focus on individualism, we do things as a collective.” said Alshami.

Taking pride in your background and culture is also important when coming to a foreign place.

Each panelist shared that showing up and speaking is the only way for them to be heard and bring change to the different Asian communities.

The making of a grad cap: finding inspiration wherever you look

By Haydee Barahona Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sarah O’Leary, studio arts major and anthropology minor, celebrated their graduation milestone by decorating a Princess Daisy-inspired graduation cap.

O’Leary said the character Princess Daisy has always been important to them because their two daughters love Princesses Peach and Rosalina from the Mario Series.

“I wanted to make sure I had, ‘I’m the winner!’ somewhere in there because that’s engraved, also, in my engagement ring,” said O’Leary.

O’Leary said Princess Daisy also says this phrase when she hits a milestone.

O’Leary is also a graphic designer and artist. After graduation, they plan to improve their portfolio and work on applying to a Master’s program.

According to the California State University, Bakersfield website, graduates may decorate their caps as long at they remain respectful.

For more information about Spring 2023 Commencement, visit https://www.csub.edu/commencement/

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