Kitchen Conversation with the Asian Pacific American Network
Feb 26, 2025
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Join Sam Thornton, an Assistant Director at George Mason University, and his colleagues Wilson Deng, Em Nakamura, IC Ulep, and Yi Xuen Tay, as they delve into the dynamics of the Asian Pacific American Network. They explore vital topics like navigating parent-child relationships in Asian American families and the importance of mental health awareness. The conversation highlights community support, networking, and the reclamation of identity in professional spaces, emphasizing how these aspects empower diverse voices in higher education.
The importance of community support and mentorship for Asian Pacific American professionals is essential in combating isolation and enhancing retention in student affairs.
APAN's recent achievements in fostering engagement and participation post-COVID highlight their commitment to building an inclusive community that empowers diverse identities within higher education.
Deep dives
Community and Support in Student Affairs
The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support for professionals in student affairs, particularly those from the Asian Pacific American Network (APAN). The participants encourage individuals feeling isolated or overwhelmed in their roles to reach out for help, highlighting that mentorship and camaraderie can significantly impact retention in the field. They share personal experiences illustrating how APAN has provided a vital network for sharing resources and experiences, especially concerning shared challenges in higher education today. The environment fosters a sense of belonging, making it clear that the network is dedicated to helping professionals stay engaged and supported in their careers.
Reflecting on Accomplishments and Engagement
Participants reflect on the significant accomplishments of APAN over the past year, noting increased engagement and participation in events following the transition back to in-person interactions after COVID-19. They express pride in successful initiatives that have connected members from diverse backgrounds, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. This renewed energy encourages new professionals to step into leadership roles and actively participate in the organization, indicating that the community is robust and growing. The discussions showcase how these accomplishments not only benefit APAN members but also enhance support for the broader community of students they serve.
Navigating Identity and Professional Spaces
The podcast highlights the unique experiences of individuals navigating their identities within predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and the professional landscape of student affairs. Members share how their intersecting identities, especially as Asian Pacific Islanders, have shaped their perspectives and prompted them to pursue roles that celebrate diversity. They discuss the significance of creating spaces where these identities can be fully expressed without the pressure to conform to traditional standards. This conversation reinforces the necessity of building a supportive environment that welcomes and celebrates the complexity of different identities among students and professionals alike.
Addressing Student Needs and Mental Health
The conversation addresses the challenges faced by API students, particularly when it comes to mental health and familial relationships. Participants share their observations of students grappling with homesickness and the pressure of expectations from immigrant families, which can complicate their academic experiences. They stress the importance of understanding these nuances and providing tailored resources that meet the diverse needs of this demographic. This approach requires collaboration with various campus organizations to create a safety net that ensures students feel supported and understood, particularly during crises or periods of transition.
Listen in on a conversation with the ACPA Asian Pacific American Network (APAN) Leadership Team. While at the 2025 ACPA Conference in Long Beach, host Glenn DeGuzman invited members of the APAN leadership team, Sam Thornton, Wilson Deng, Em Nakamura, IC Ulep, and Yi Xuen Tay into his kitchen for a sit down conversation on a variety of API related topics and issues currently on the top of their minds. APAN represents APIDA issues and advocates for programs, services, research, and actions within the leadership of the Coalition for Multicultural Affairs and ACPA: College Student Educators International. The APAN Leadership team brought their voices to the table to speak about and react to issues that are relevant to them and their work on APAN and on their respective college campuses.
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