The Asian Student Union continues to provide Asian students at Whatcom Community College with a safe space to exist in their identities.
Coming off a successful Lunar New Year event last month, the ASU holds meetings in the Simpson Intercultural Center (SIC) on Tuesdays from 3-4 p.m.
Co-President of the ASU, Mariam Mohd, who is also an ASWCC Senator and a Peer Navigator in the SIC, spoke about some of her favorite parts of the union. This included getting to put together events that celebrate different holidays connected to the union members’ cultural background.
Mohd explained the importance of these kinds of events, pointing out that for many students, there isn’t necessarily an opportunity to go back home to celebrate these holidays. Expanding on this, Mohd ensured that the Union is in the process of figuring out future events open to the community that would be celebrating other special holidays for students within the ASU.
Last quarter a member of the Horizon, Linh Dau attended an ASU meeting. This meeting provided students with an open floor to discuss ideas for what would become the Lunar New Year Karaoke night. The ASU provided a range of different snacks for students in attendance.
Following the meeting, those who lingered got the opportunity to bond over casual conversation, as well as watching different television shows. Dau enjoyed the meeting very much, stating “the meeting successfully combined event planning, cultural appreciation, and socializing. It gave students an opportunity to connect, learn more about Asian culture, and feel a sense of belonging to their own community.”
For those interested in potentially joining the ASU, Mohd recognized for many that first step can seem scary, but she wants everyone to know “we’re here to welcome you, and we’re here for however you need to show up; if you just feel like listening in, that’s always okay, and if you want to participate more, that’s also okay.”
The ASU is open to all students, and Mohd encourages everybody to at least check it out.
Reporters: Chance Loewi and Linh Dau
