TAPIOKA Magazine - Summer 2023 | JOY

TAPIOKA JOY SUMMER 2023

Letter from the Editor I used to see joy as an extension of accomplishment - as something that I had to earn the right to feel. A mentality that disregarded the everyday moments of happiness as just another small ripple to fade with time. But in these past few years, I’ve come to realize how much of my college experience has been defined by the “insignificant” and “ordinary.” These memories, despite how fleeting they may be, have made me cherish the little time that we have here. In this issue, we hope to highlight the beauty of these charming mundanities of life, and how they help us to find and create our own definition of joy.

Over the summer, we’ve taken great strides as we’ve begun our rebranding from the OU AASA Magazine into Tapioka Magazine. We see it as a change that signifies our evolution with a newfound creative identity. Considering our roots as a passion project within AASA, we’re so lucky to be able to continue serving as a creative platform for our community.

This past year has been nothing short of life-changing, and so, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. This publication has grown into a source of joy for me, and I hope that it will be the same for you all as well. I’m constantly in awe of what we’ve been able to do, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as Tapioka.

Sincerely,

Anthony Nguyen | Editor-in-Chief

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Front Cover Photo by Makenzie Toma Back Cover Photo by Tristan Timog

CREDITS Anthony Nguyen

Caitlin Le

Emma Nguyen

Erik Phan

Ivan Ma

Jen Nguyen

Kaella Glenn

Kaly Phan

Mahlinee Chonlahan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 06 24 32

Fit Check Thank You Meet Your AASA Exec

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FIT CHECK

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Models (L-R): Susan Luc Anna Nguyen Amelia Brown Syeda Sayera Photography by Tristan Timog

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Anarkali Salwar Kameez The Anarkali is a form of women's formal wear, originating from the Indian subcontinent. The word "Anarkali" translates to "the delicate bud of the pomegranate flower." This particular dress - the Salwar Kameez - contains three parts: the Salwar (trousers), the Kameez (dress), and the Dupatta (scarf). Additionally, this Anarkali Salwar Kameez is accompanied by a tikli, a head accessory placed in the middle part of the hair.

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Qipao The Qipao, also known as the Cheongsam, is a Chinese traditional dress. It is known for its elegant silhouette, featuring a fitted bodice and a straight, high-collar neckline.

The dress is designed to honor tradition

while

showcasing

wearer's

individual

style.

the This

particular style of wedding Qipao is worn to celebrate cultural heritage, evoke elegance, and mark important life events in a meaningful way.

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Maria Clara Shawl

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The Filipiniana Maria Clara Shawl is worn with a dress or skirt, representing historical Maria Clara traditional wear made from pineapple organza. With hand painted flowers and butterfly sleeves, this design was popularized in the early 20th century and has become a symbol of urban Filipino traditional wear.

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Áo Dài The Áo Dài is the traditional dress in Vietnam, which is usually worn on formal occasions. It is a long dress with splits, usually

worn

with

silky

trousers

underneath. Representing beauty and elegance, the Áo Dài is a symbol of Vietnamese culture and identity. It holds significant cultural importance, being deeply ingrained in the country’s history and traditions.

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Thank You

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Model: Ann Nguyen Photography and Afterword

by Emma Nguyen

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An ode to the Asian District, Thank You is a return to Oklahoma City’s bridge between worlds. The titular “thank you” take-out bag represents a palatable Asian cuisine, adapted to American consumption.

Yet, at home, these same dishes are their own gestures of love and gratitude.

Family ties, strengthened through each generation, endure as a symbol of cultural unity. The armchair merges a fixture of the typical American family home with a lifetime of conversation in two tongues.

Inspired by childhood memories, Thank You recontextualizes the Asian American experience through the cultural resonance found within the OKC Asian District.

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Meet Your AASA Exec Photography by Makenzie Toma

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Triad

Models (L-R): Ariana Sayeed - VP External Amelia Brown - President Syeda Sayera - VP Internal

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The Creatives

Models (L-R): Erik Phan - Creative Director Mike Pham - Secretary Makenzie Toma - Historian Anthony Nguyen - Magazine Editor-in-Chief

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Money Makers

Models (L-R): Dim Zuun - Director of Philanthropy Xian Lai - Treasurer Oliver Wu - Director of Fundraising

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For The Culture

Models (L-R): Lina Thai - Lunar New Year Chair Laura Nguyen - Asian Food Fair Chair Sana Arshad - OU Asian Royalty Chair

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For The People Models (L-R): Brandon Kieu - TALC Chair Lauren Hsieh - Live Music Night Chair Brittney Luong - Senior Night Chair

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Your Asian Royalty Models (L-R): Vivian Hua - OU Asian Royalty Subah Chowdhury - OU Asian Royalty

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from AASA, with love

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joy