On Thursday evening, the Asian American Cultural Center and International Education hosted Asiantation, an opportunity for students to learn more about the house’s resources and connect with campus RSOs.
The event began at 5:00 p.m., and the atmosphere was sociable even a few minutes before the designated start time. Students milled around the lawn outside of the AACC, having conversations with one another as music played from the speakers.
“I just love the community,” said Anika Manelkar, junior in LAS. “Honestly, this is my favorite event that the center puts on in the beginning of the year, because you get to see all the new students here and then also the old students as well repping their organizations.”
According to AACC’s website, “Asiantation is an orientation program that welcomes first-year, transfer, and new graduate students to the Asian and Asian American campus community and resources.”
Despite the emphasis on being a welcoming environment for Asian and Asian American students, the event was “open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color or national origin,” according to AACC’s Instagram.
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Set up in the grass were blue and orange tents housing numerous RSOs, ranging from academic clubs to Greek life. Students wandered from table to table, speaking with RSO representatives and learning more about each club’s mission and values.
One of these organizations was In Between, dedicated to providing a community for students who “don’t strongly identify or align with either their Asian or American cultures or identities.”
“It makes me feel really validated and affirmed in my identity,” said Sophie Reck, member of In Between and junior in FAA. “Especially when I’ve had experiences … working against that. It makes me feel more confident in myself.”
For those needing some cool air or a break from all the outdoor activities, inside AACC, students could make their own smoothie or parfait, complete with toppings like berries and granola.
A few minutes before 5:30 p.m., AACC program coordinator Will Yepsen, announced that four different performances would take place in the neighboring parking lot and invited students to watch.
Traditional Korean percussion band Gah Rahk Mah Dahng, was the first to be introduced, and students paused what they were doing to make their way closer to the parking lot, the distinct sound of Samulnori vibrating through the air.
Asiantation is just the start of the many cultural events that AACC puts on throughout the year. Other events include a Diwali celebration in the fall and an Asian American Heritage Month Celebration in the spring.
“(The AACC) is an open place, and you can actually come in and check out the resources they have here,” said Lina Kim, sophomore in LAS. “They have a lot.”
The other cultural houses on campus include, Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, La Casa Cultural Latina, Native American House and Salaam Middle East & North Africa Cultural Center, all of which hold events throughout the year.
“I think that a lot of (cultural houses) are really just here to offer as many resources as possible and get students acclimated to the University,” Manelkar said. “They’re really focused on offering a really good community and environment, a really good safe space.”
