HOME

JASON ASOMBRADO

"Home" for me has always been a multifaceted concept, shaped by my upbringing and community environment Before college, my sense of home was defined by the people, culture, and family connections within my community. However, this was challenging as I didn't have a significant Asian community around me. In the absence of a larger support network, I had to seek connection within a small Filipino community to maintain a link to my cultural roots.

I felt lost for most of my time in high school, as I couldn’t find a community or organization that I truly belonged in. The lack of diversity in both my private Catholic school and suburban neighborhood meant that I had to navigate a space where I was frequently the only person of color in my classes. This experience led to a disconnection from my cultural identity throughout high school.

Transitioning to college at OU was a significant shift The diversity on campus was a pleasant surprise, especially given my past experiences, and it marked a stark contrast to my predominantly white surroundings growing up. This shift was both eye-opening and exciting, as I felt a renewed sense of belonging and connection.

Joining organizations like AASA that promoted Asian culture at OU became a pivotal part of my college experience. Throughout the past few months collaborating with AASA, I have experienced mentorship and genuine care from the community. These groups provided a space where I could share my experiences and find individuals who could relate to my journey. This sense of community allowed me to reconnect with my cultural identity, fostering a feeling of "home" within the university setting.

FARSID ISLAM

Home, to me, is a safe space where I can truly be myself without feeling judged. Before college, home was more than just the house I lived in, it was the people I surrounded myself with, close friends and family who treated me with respect and ones I could go to when I needed advice. When I first started classes here at OU, I struggled to find a home as a commuter student. I used to just go to my classes and come straight home.

However, sometime in August, I decided to apply for First-Year Representative for AASA. Before applying, I had only been to the first GBM, but I could tell that the Exec and the overall atmosphere of this organization were welcoming and the people seemed very genuine. When I found out that I got the position as a First-Year Representative, I was ecstatic, knowing that I finally had the opportunity to push myself to meet and interact with others.

At my first Exec meeting, I realized how goofy and real these people truly are, and I was so glad to be put in a space where I honestly felt safe.

My four other First-Year Reps played a role in making me feel safe and not judged. To this day, I am thankful that all five of us got to meet through AASA.

As time passed, I started visiting the AASA office almost every day when I had free time after my classes. To be honest, I've lost count of the number of people I have met through the office. I started realizing halfway through October that I stopped going home right after I finished classes. Instead, I would hang out at the office until 9 pm, talking to friends and going on late-night Wingstop runs.

AASA and the AASA Office have truly been my home this year at OU. The people and the environment are what make me feel safe and allow me to be the best version of myself. I am so thankful to be a part of AASA Exec and to have the opportunity to work with the best group of people here on our campus at OU. Thank you AASA for giving me a home away from home.

MEGHANA NUTHI

Home to me has always meant a place of comfort. Somewhere where I feel at peace and at ease. A place where I can unapologetically be myself. People who make me laugh and really feel seen for all the nuances that make me who I am People who stand by me on both the good days and the bad days, people who make waking up the next day worth it. I’ve always lived in California, and although I moved around a bit in my childhood, I spent the last 12 years of my life in the beautiful city of San Ramon.

People are right when they say that you don’t truly appreciate what you have until it's gone, and I had never felt that more than after my first week of college The transition has been hard, and I don’t think it’ll ever stop being hard and that’s what took me some time to adjust to.

My culture and heritage have always been a big part of who I am Being able to embrace my culture to the fullest and speak my mind has always been essential in what I consider a safe space. And AASA has given me that safe space.

Over the course of the last semester, I have made genuine friendships, learned valuable skills, and grown as a person. Being able to represent my community, and work with others who have equally as strong desires to showcase culture and diversity is truly a powerful thing that I am so glad to be a part of.

I’m glad I met the AASA family but most importantly I’m glad for what they've shown me I can’t replicate what I’ve left behind in California It's unfair and unrealistic But that doesn’t mean I can’t find good things here at OU. That I can’t find better things. That I can’t meet wonderful people. Because I have.

People who make me laugh and make me feel seen. Who stand by me on both the good days and the bad days. People who push me to be a better person. I think I’ve found my people here at the University of Oklahoma I think I’ve found my home away from home

KAEDE CUMMINGS

What is the true essence of "home"? One might argue that it's simply a geographical location, a point on a map denoted by an address. However, is it more than that? Do people strive for a specific destination, a set endpoint, in their pursuit of a place to call "home?"

For me, the concept of home transcends physical spaces; it resides within the connections forged with people It's the sense of security that delicately covers any lingering scars and quiets nagging doubts. It's the warmth of endearment that fills my heart in their presence and the overwhelming swell of tears when I reflect on the depth of my care and the fear of losing these cherished individuals.

Home, to me, is the ability to bear my soul to someone without fear of ridicule. Despite leaving the comforting embrace of my family for college, I found solace in realizing that my family remains my home, regardless of the geographical distance.

Initially, I grappled with the notion that I couldn't recreate the sense of home at my new location or that I wasn't worthy of others confiding in me. Would I ever find that sensation of home at OU?

Those doubts drove me to barricade my heart with walls to protect myself, but all it was doing was deterring people away from me: further reinforcing my fears. I was drowning in a pool of self-pity, never thinking I had the chance to come back up for air.

However, it was my roommates who slowly tore down my defense and pulled me out from the deep depths of my melancholy They had started metamorphosing from distant strangers into nurturing sisters. I was blind to their love for so long, but they never stopped giving up on me. My roommates have blessed me with a place to grow, cry, and laugh- something I will never take for granted They truly are my family, my support system, my home: I love them.

AKSHAY KOUSHIK

When thinking of home, the first thing that comes to my mind is the traditional food My mom had a vegetarian cooking blog from the time I was little, so growing up, I would always have some new Indian dish to try when I got home. The aroma of spices and the familiar taste of home-cooked meals created a comforting and welcoming atmosphere that became synonymous with the concept of "home" for me.

Before college, home was not only a place defined by the physical space and the meals but also by the people around me and the abundant cultural experiences I could participate in. Attending the temple for festivities such as Diwali was something that I would always look forward to, as it meant catching up with the Indian community and seeing those who were visiting home from college and out of town. This was all backdropped with a special vibrancy as the temple glittered with lights and fireworks were shot off in celebration.

This sharing of our culture made it feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself, and I look forward to continuing these traditions later in life.

After coming to OU, finding a sense of home seemed daunting, especially with the absence of my family and the familiar culture that represented my previous concept of home. However, it wasn't long before I found a community that I was happy to be a part of and felt like I belonged. AASA gave me a group of people with similar life experiences and interests, and also several upperclassmen who I could reach out to for advice. The combination of several Asian cultures has exposed me to different traditions and festivities and helped me learn so much more about other cultures similar to my own I’ve made some of my closest friends in this organization, and I look forward to continuing to be a part of the association in the coming years.