LearningaNewSideof Me
Although I come from Laguna, which is just an hour away from LA, the people around me have been very different by comparison
Laguna Beach The
Getty
As part of a predominantly white neighborhood and school, I spent most of my time acclimating to a culture outside of my own. I have known that I was always different, from small things like the holidays I celebrate and the straight black hair vs the curly blond hair of my friends,tothebiggerthingslikethe life lessons and religions I was raisedonbymyimmigrantparents
UCLA Squirrel
Community Goods
Although I've always enjoyed their presence and friendship, it wasn ’t until I came to UCLA that I was able to connect with others based on shared cultures, and it's allowed me to explore more of my identity as an asian American.
From
asian culture clubs to my asian friends around me,
I feel like I'm learning to grow and accept my Asian side more than ever had the chance to back home.
CloserThanEverBefore
was predominantly shaped by a mixture of European and Pacific Island cultures, with Asian communities (especially those with my Chinese heritage) being relatively smaller and less visible
AlthoughIhadalwaysbeencuriousabouttheexperienceofAsiandiaspora,especially thoseintheUS,Ineverreallygraspedthedepthofthesecommunitiesuntil comingtoLosAngeles.LA’svibrantAsianAmericanculturefeelsaliveand multifaceted,andIcanfeelandseeitsinfluenceinthecities,foodart,andeverydaylife.
This has been an enlightening revelation that has helped me reconnect with my own roots and identity and helped me think about how my experiences have shaped who I am This is a perspective I would have never fully understood from back home and it's something I now feel deeply connected to
Auckland
Cuba Street
Hobbiton
TranzAlpine
As I prepare to graduate, I keep getting misty eyed as I realize just how much I’ll be leaving behind as I move back home to New York.
I’llhavenothingbuthappymemoriestolook backuponandgivemestrengththroughmy future.IguessthisisalovelettertoLAand UCLAspecificallyforallthewonderful experiencesI’vehadwhilegoinghereand helpingmebecomeme. Thankyou.
San Diego
Exploring
FINDING ME
Growing up in suburban Minnesota as a Vietnamese American, I was often the only or one of the only Asians in my circle. The Asian community was so small that we all knew or knew of one another.
Although I spoke Vietnamese and ate Vietnamese food at home, those cultural practices did not extend beyond the home, and I could count the number of Vietnamese friends I had on my fingers.
There were few Asian restaurants and events in the area, and my town did not have a boba shop until my senior year of High School, for example I often felt like I had to suppress my culture or conform to fit in.
However, when I moved to LA for school, I felt like I could finally be my fullest and most authentic self because of the diversity that is evident everywhere you go. I never knew life could’ve felt like that, and my worldview was entirely shifted Since coming to UCLA, I have been exposed to so many different cultures and identities that I would never have gotten if I had stayed in Minnesota
Oberg Mountain
FINDING ME
I have tasted many cuisines and attended celebrations that have added new perspectives to my life I now never feel like I’m isolated as the only Asian in the room (because I’m usually not) and feel seen, heard, and understood).
Spoonbridge and Cherry
n general, I’ve felt that most people here are more open-minded and welcoming due to heir upbringings in such a diverse nvironment, which allows for conversations about culture, values, representation, etc that I rarely had back home. I eel fully integrated nto the community here and that I never have to worrry about not fitting in.
g LAhas broughtmeclosertomy cultureandhelpedme fully embrace being Asian. I’m gratefulforalltheclubsand organizationsthathave allowedmetodosoandthe largerLAcommunityfor itsintegrationofsomany cultures
Lake Nokomis
Downtown LA