ASIA: Where Asian students come together

Maria Ly
Staff Writer

Asian students in America is an RSO at Minnesota State University, Mankato focused on Asian perspectives and issues in America as well as expanding leadership and social opportunities for Asian American students at MNSU.

What first started as the Asian Pacific Student Organization, it was founded by Asian American minority students with common interests in their educational and ethnic backgrounds looking for a community to belong in and for all students to feel welcome to join.

Their mission is to help students, whether that be academically, financially, or socially. ASIA is truly a mother, teacher, advisor, and friend wrapped up into one. They not only provide a safe space for all students to feel welcome but a space to connect with others, build bonds, to grow, and seek advice and comfort.

ASIA has held many events accomplishing their mission. They’ve held discussions in their bi-weekly meeting such as mental health, culture, discrimination, what it means to be Asian American etc. As groups they’ve gone to campus events together such as the recent CSU haunted house, as well as participate and help out in events such as homecoming.

They’ve done open mics as an outlet to have students express themselves, have fun, and bond as a group. They have an annual Myers lock-in, where they spend a whole night in Myers Field House eating barbecue, playing games, and having relay races. In the upcoming future they’re planning on going to an escape room.

ASIA also plays a game called “Assassination” with one another, in which each member participating gets a target, and must capture them on their Snapchat story to eliminate them from the game.

Along with the many social events ASIA has, they also attend conferences to not only expand their knowledge but also their leadership skills. Over the years, they’ve attended the annual  Midwest Asian American Student Union (MAASU) to connect with other Asian Americans in other schools.

Cher Vang, the president of ASIA, states the club is open to everyone, “Although are name is Asian Students in America, we really welcome everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from, you are always more than welcome to come here and speak with us or connect with us. We’re here for you.”

ASIA meets every other week on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in CSU 238. The next meeting is on Nov. 19.

Feature photo courtesy of ASIA.