The Asian Student Union recently had their first meeting between officers to plan out the schedule for the new semester, where they discussed new members, upcoming social events and other ways to enhance the club activities.
“At the meeting, we talked about how we want the freshmen and sophomores to be more comfortable with interacting with each other,” senior co-president Jacob Hsu said. “We’ll have icebreakers and games at our first meeting…What’s important to us is that we can learn about Asian culture while still having fun.”
Meanwhile, MHS students are excited to reunite with their fellow club members.
“I am excited for the fundraisers,” returning member Nolan O’Donnel said. “They’re a good time hanging out with everybody and you’re giving back to the community and spreading Asian Culture.”
ASU has been known to help with volunteering, fundraising and many other events that relate to the AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) community and to spread awareness of their culture.
“At K-State, there’s a Lunar New Year Festival and we always sign up for that,” Hsu said. “And then we also have an Asian Market…where we sell food like steamed buns and stuff like that.”
Beyond their commitment for volunteering, ASU members make time for more recreational activities to unwind and form better connections with their peers.
“We do potlucks a lot,” senior Gabriel Morla said. “We went to the [Korean Church of Manhattan] last year for a potluck and we played ping pong there…it was fun. We also go to City Park sometimes and play games like sand volleyball, football or basketball.”
ASU officers have plans for several new events, like a drive-in movie theater and a dumpling fundraiser.
The club posts photos on Instagram from time to time, showing students taking part in karaoke, board games and playing trivia.
Besides planning on events, one of the main subjects of the meeting was inclusivity. ASU welcomes anyone willing to learn and connect with distinct cultures.
“I’ve been at ASU for four years now,” treasurer Stephanie Hsu, senior, said. “I think everyone there is pretty friendly and it’s cool for people, Asian or non-Asian, are able to connect easier because of the cool environment…It’s open to everyone.”
ASU celebrates holidays that come from all across Asia. Whether it is events like Diwali and Holi from the Middle East or Chuseok and Lunar New Year from the South, they make sure to recognize all Eastern cultures.
“At ASU, people don’t just come here just for the games,” co-president Jiyeon Kim said. “They come here so they can learn more about an interesting part of the world.”