Grace Richards and President Mia Hill. Photo by Senior Photographer Isaac Vacheresse
This semester, the Asian Council is expanding their reach at Lee with the help of new faculty sponsors and members. The council has grown in members and is motivated to make it a safe place for all students. Being connected with Lee students through events and conversations is a priority for the council. They meet on Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. in Humanities 101.
Last year, the council was unable to host meetings and events due to COVID-19 restrictions. The council is student-led, and the members are planning hikes, games, discussions and events for this semester.
Photo by Senior Photographer Isaac Vacheresse
The council’s new president, sophomore psychology major Mia Hill, is hopeful for its 16 members to share in culture and dialogue.
“The first thing that comes to mind is community. I know that’s such a huge word we use here at Lee, but it is very true because there are a lot of identities, voices and cultures here that are so spread out; people don’t know where to find it,” said Hill.
Hill and the council are planning a kite festival on campus. They want to share and present Asian culture in different ways, whether through festivals, food or stories. A sponsor of the council, Dr. Arlie Tagayuna, said cultural engagement through food is also a significant aspect of fellowship.
“I like the idea of learning through breaking bread. Food is such a centerpiece in most Asian societies, so sharing our food culture is just a first step in the door for people to come and be engaged,” said Tagayuna.
As Hill collaborates with the council, she has long-term plans to create a permanent home for the council within the Lee community. Hill wants the council “to grow more and to have a sturdier foundation.”
Photo by Life Editor Abigail White
“Sometimes, some councils will have strong leaders, but then those leaders go away. Who else is going to continue on that legacy?” said Hill. “I am hoping that [Asian Council] can, starting this year, pass down that legacy to others.”
The sponsors have served as a supportive component to the council. There have been two additional sponsors; Muen Wei became a sponsor this year and ChoEun Lee began sponsoring in 2017. The sponsors Dr. Arlie Tagayuna, Professor Muen Wei and Dr. ChoEun Lee assist students in the club’s direction while also building relationships with the members.
Senior public relations and music major Enid Mak Qian has been a member of the council since her freshman year in 2018. Qian said the community and sponsors greatly impacted her time at Lee.
“The Asian council can serve as a home for not just Asian students but other people, too,” said Qian. “I really want people to learn about the Asian culture and to be more engaged.”
As Qian prepares to graduate, she hopes the Lee community will continue to recognize the council and the representation of culture the council holds. She encourages people to be more sensitive and aware of distinctions within ethnicities and cultures that many students represent.
“If I don’t tell them I’m from Malaysia, they would just assume I’m from China,” said Qian. “Other than China, there are many other countries in Asia.”
While highlighting community, the council is also promoting honest dialogue on understanding the identity of different cultures. They hope to create a place for the community to be seen in distinction, as well as being united in appreciating culture.
“We are not just a club, but we are also here to first create a space for learning in a way where we can be able to learn different cultures from different parts of the world,” said Tagayuna.
