In the Campus Center East wing, two members of the Asian Culture Exchange club joined a panel to answer questions regarding Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Month.
During Wednesday’s Tea and Talk event hosted by Citrus College Student Life, Natalie Kwok and Aimee Cross, the ACE president and staff adviser, respectively, discussed their heritage and compared their experiences at the college being international and Asian American.
During the public forum, one student asked how Asian stereotypes affect their daily lives.
Kwok said Asian stereotypes don’t affect her daily life because she never takes them personally and is able to laugh at them.
“Just like Natalie, I think it’s best to look at them with humor… because if you take it personally, it’s just going to leave a sour taste in your mouth,” Cross said.
Student Life Supervisor and panel host Rosario Garcia asked to hear more about ACE and the vision for its future.
“My vision is to create a fun, welcoming space where students can learn from each other, make connections, and celebrate different cultures together,” Kwok said.
Another student from the audience asked how representation has grown on campus throughout the years.
Cross said that after working at Citrus for nearly 10 years, she has noticed a recent increase in students searching for community and culture on campus, which has led to the creation of a new, welcoming atmosphere all around.
At the end of the panel, Kwok reminded the audience of ACE’s upcoming events on May 14 and May 19.
At 2:30 p.m., May 14 in ED 103, the Inter Club conference will be held as a collaborative social event between all Citrus clubs.
At 11 a.m., May 19, at the Campus Center Mall, the ACE This Together wall will be created, where students can write positive messages on boards that will be hung up in the Campus Center.
