Asian Students in America gather to share their culture with the community
A night filled with food and dancing was hosted by a club on campus, Asian Students in America (ASIA), to share their culture with students, faculty and community members.
ASIA hosts events on campus frequently throughout the school year, which typically include three large events and three small events. On March 1, the club hosted one of their larger events, Asian Night, that drew in almost 300 people. The event opened with a fashion show which allowed students to have the opportunity to sign up to showcase their own traditional and cultural attire.
Following the fashion show, Asian food was served to guests that had attended the event. Various dances from different regions of Asia were performed throughout the night. These dances came from regions including Nepal, India and Karen. A K-pop dance was performed as well.
President Pim Thongtad, is from Thailand and has been a part of the club for two years.
“I feel very honored to be in charge of putting on these events because a lot of the international community attend,” Thongtad said. “As well as that, I am very proud to educate the USD community on our culture.”
Thongtad added that events like these are important as they aim to ease international students’ potential homesickness, and allow students of various cultural backgrounds to come together and gather as one.
Sushant Mukhia has been involved in the club since his freshman year and is the current Vice President of ASIA.
“This gives international students a platform to represent and meet people that are also from regions in Asia.” Mukhia said. “I am also proud to show the USD community our cultures and traditions.”
The event wrapped up with an open dance that welcomed anyone in attendance to join.. Being able to dance amongst her peers is one of Thongtad’s favorite memories from while she’s been involved with the club.
“It is fun to see everyone join in the dancing and let loose,” Thongtad said. “Being around our friends and people in that moment is always a great time.”
The Asian Student’s in America club to share their culture and traditions with the students and community.
“What we’ve been striving for as leaders in these organizations is to bridge the gap between the international community and the local community as a whole,” Mukhia said. “Over the past few years, more people have become more interested in the organizations and we hope to continue to unite under different cultures.”
Both Thongtad and Mukhia hope to see a continuance of international and non-international students joining clubs on campus. ASIA plans on hosting their next big student event in April.
