At their 10th annual conference, members of the Asian Pacific American Student Organization educated and entertained students about the significance of understanding their culture.
The event, APA for R.E.A.L. (Realizing Ethnic Attitudes in Life), was held Friday and Saturday. The conference kicked off with a rally Friday afternoon at the rock on Farm Lane, where about 50 members from APASO and its affiliated groups gathered to speak, share poetry and march to the Multicultural Center in the basement of the Union.
The group carried signs during the march to demonstrate cultural pride.
Thomas Nishi, coordinator for Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs for the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs, said it is crucial to present cultural events to MSU students.
“It’s really important for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders because there are no classes or programs for them,” he said. “This is the only way people can get informed about Asian Americans. Hopefully, they will realize that there are a lot of similarities between them and Asian Americans.”
On Saturday at the Union, workshops were held all day on topics ranging from “Unity Through Diversity: The Ties That Bind Us” to “APAs and the Aftermath of 9/11.” Saturday evening, a banquet was held at the Kellogg Center featuring a performance by comedian Tina Kim and a keynote speech by Lela Lee.
A semiformal dance with a DJ closed the event.
Bindi Patel, co-president of APASO, said the weekend was a big success.
“For the people who came, all they had was positive comments about the discussions we had,” the international relations and general business senior said. “There were a lot of people who came out that didn’t register, and that was pleasing.”
Patel said the conference was informative for students to gain knowledge about Asian American culture.
“Everyone was fully entertained and educated by the speakers,” she said. “This is one of the greatest opportunities for people to learn about the Asian American population at Michigan State.”
Nick Kovacic, communication junior and Residence Halls Association president, helped approve funding for the conference.
“To have the opportunity to experience other cultures at this level is amazing,” he said. “It’s very important with the events that are happening to be aware of everyone’s culture to gain a better understanding of how people live.”
APASO member Krishna Achuthanandam, a supply chain management junior, said the group needs all the support they can get to gain more awareness about its culture.
“It’s our job to show MSU how important we are and make them notice we are a big population,” he said. “It’s for them too. Not just for us.”
