The Stute recently had the privilege of attending the Reflections of the Asian American Experience event, facilitated by the Assistant Director of Counseling, Dr. Ying Xiong, and the Director of Undergraduate Student Life, Dr. Leo Pedraza. During the April 21 event, the student panelists and facilitators led attendees through a guided discussion, exploring the topics of intergenerational trauma, shared experiences, and joy. Conversations surrounding these complex themes were introduced through three critically acclaimed movies starring Asian leads: Turning Red; Everything, Everywhere, All at Once; and The Farewell.
The student panel discussion was led by Stevens students Justin Gabriel, Joyce Lin, Stacy Shang, Alexandra Wong, and Stephanie Yeung. These students are affiliated with the Filipino Association of Stevens Institute of Technology, the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Chinese Student Association, and Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, respectively. The student panelists were well spoken, and their passion for sharing their voices and experiences as an Asian American was infectious.
Discussions ranged from wanting to get rid of your ‘panda’ (your messy side) like Meilin in Turning Red, to how Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once can provide insight into a parent’s point of view. The acclaimed films were used as icebreakers to dive into topics, such as how individual values oftentimes contradict collective or familial values, and how the intensity of these values varies depending on how many generations ago your family immigrated.
Each panelist showed immense strength in their willingness to start difficult conversations surrounding taboo topics. Their vulnerable and heartfelt stories opened a door for everyone present in the room. It was inspiring to see the room open up as audience members increasingly began to share their stories, jumping in to confirm and validate the experiences of others. Dr. Xiong and Dr. Pedraza undoubtedly succeeded in facilitating a welcoming and understanding space. It was refreshing to hear both students and faculty discuss personal experiences about a shared culture with such honesty.
The event concluded with a hopeful discussion of how to break the cycle of unhealthy intergenerational trauma, and finding meaning while still loving and celebrating the best parts of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi culture.
A quote that I like from Children’s Rights Activist Marian Wright Edelman is that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Representation of all cultures in all corners of life—media, workforce, academic faculty, and student bodies—matters. Thank you to the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month for coordinating the event, and thank you to Justin Gabriel, Joyce Lin, Stacy Shang, Alexandra Wong, Stephanie Yeung, Dr. Xiong, and Dr. Pedraza for sharing your stories.
