Asian American Student Association seeks to break stereotypes

The Asian American Student Association is dedicated to increasing Oklahoma State University’s awareness of Asian American culture and other multicultural groups on campus.

“We are a large percentage of the student body and we should have a voice on campus,” said Nhi Teresa Tran, a sociology sophomore and AASA secretary. “We want to break stereotypes of Asian Americans.”

AASA is a student-led organization that’s main purpose is to spread and promote cultural diversity on campus, said Tony Sourignavong, an accounting and MIS senior. AASA welcomes all students to join.

The next AASA event will be the Luna Moon Festival, which celebrates New Year’s on the Chinese calendar, Tran said. AASA will host the event in conjunction with the Vietnamese American Student Association. This year’s event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Library Lawn. Wontons, egg rolls and other Asian dishes will be sold.

The event will feature a fashion show, cultural skit and dance groups. Other activities will include face painting, henna, calligraphy and a lantern parade, Sourignavong said.

The group will also have its annual Leadership Ropes Course on October 22, and in November will attend the Midwest Asian American Students Union Leadership Retreat Conference at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

At the conference, students will discuss issues that specifically affect Asian Americans, Tran said.

The group’s annual Thanksgiving Potluck will also be held at the end of the semester in November.

Getting involved in AASA is a great way to learn about different cultures and promote diversity, Sourignavong said.

“I went to the Welcome Back Social in Fall 2009 and I mainly thought it was just an Asian Club,” he said. “After several events, I learned more about myself as a person as well as developed leadership skills, learned about Asian American issues and met many great people along the way.”

The goal of AASA this year is to break down stereotypes, teach others about Asian American Pacific Islander issues, and gain knowledge about leadership skills, Tran said.

“We welcome everybody,” Tran said. “We are working with other multicultural organizations to build a strong minority voice on campus.”