Our First Conference
Our first conference took place on May 30th, bringing students together to learn, share, and connect through Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. Throughout the day, students heard from speakers, shared a meal, and met people from different schools and backgrounds. Most importantly, the conference was a chance for students to feel a sense of belonging and know that they are not alone in their experiences.
A Different View of Asia
Our morning speaker, Drew Shih, shared stories from his experiences living in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. He talked about the different ways Asian cultures can be understood and how his experiences changed after moving to the United States. He also shared how he has found a balance between Asian and American cultures in his everyday life.
Sharing Culture Over Lunch
At lunchtime, students came together to enjoy food from different Asian cultures and share conversations with new people. We had Korean tteokbokki and fish cakes, delicious seafood glass noodles, Chinese fried rice, and sushi. Instead of sitting only with people they already knew, students were placed at different tables with people from different schools and cultural backgrounds. Over lunch, everyone had the opportunity to talk about their favorite foods, family traditions, and experiences with culture. It was a simple but meaningful part of the conference that helped students feel more comfortable with one another and reminded us that food can be a way to connect people from different backgrounds.
Abigail Hing Wen’s Loveboat, Taipei
In the afternoon, we welcomed Abigail Hing Wen, the author of the New York Times bestseller Loveboat, Taipei. She shared some of the real experiences and ideas that inspired the story, including the experience of a Taiwanese American student returning to Taiwan for a Chinese summer program and discovering more about her identity and culture. Abigail talked about how growing up between different cultures can sometimes feel confusing, but can also help us understand ourselves in new ways. She also shared how her own experiences and observations of Asian American life influenced the characters and story in Loveboat, Taipei. Her talk gave students a chance to think about their own identities and the different parts of culture that shape who we are.
