Reflecting on my involvement in the President’s Leadership Class and my active participation in Asian American Student Association events at OU.

Hosted by: None.

During my time at the University of Oklahoma, one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience has been getting involved on campus. I have learned that college is not only about going to class and completing assignments, but also about finding communities that help you grow as a person. For me, two important spaces have been OU PLC and the Asian American Student Association, also known as AASA.

I have been heavily involved in OU PLC, and it has become one of the biggest parts of my college journey. Being part of PLC has helped me meet many motivated students, build connections with professors and campus leaders, and learn more about what leadership looks like in real life. Before college, I thought leadership mostly meant being in charge or having a title. But through PLC, I have learned that leadership is also about listening, showing up, supporting others, and being willing to grow.

One thing I really appreciate about PLC is the community. The students around me are all working toward their own goals, but at the same time, there is a shared feeling of encouragement. Being around people who care about learning, service, and leadership has pushed me to become more active and confident. It has also helped me understand that everyone has a different leadership style. Some people are very outgoing, while others lead quietly by being dependable and thoughtful. I think I am still learning what kind of leader I want to be, but PLC has given me a good space to figure that out.

Along with PLC, I have also been actively participating in AASA events. Even though I am not officially a member myself, I still try to attend their events and be part of the community whenever I can. AASA has been a meaningful space for me because it celebrates Asian American culture, identity, and community. Going to their events has helped me feel more connected to Asian American students at OU and has given me the chance to learn more about different cultural traditions.

One thing I like about AASA is how welcoming the events feel. Whether it is a cultural celebration, a student gathering, or a community event, I always feel like there is a strong sense of belonging. I have attended events such as Lunar New Year celebrations and other cultural activities, and each time I learn something new. These events remind me that culture is not only something we study or talk about, but something we experience through food, music, performances, conversations, and friendships.

My involvement with OU PLC and my participation in AASA events have helped me feel more connected to the University of Oklahoma. I have met new people, learned more about leadership, explored culture, and gained a stronger sense of belonging. These experiences have reminded me that college is a time to grow not only academically, but also socially and personally. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had so far, and I hope to continue being involved and learning from the communities around me.

~THE END~ by addison

Reflecting on climate change, global cooperation, and the role of the United Nations through my IAS 3383 class discussion.

Hosted by: IAS 3383 The UN Class Discussion

In my IAS 3383 The UN class, we had a discussion about climate change and why it is considered one of the most important international issues today. Before this discussion, I understood climate change mostly as an environmental problem, such as hotter temperatures, stronger storms, rising sea levels, and pollution. However, after talking about it in the context of the United Nations, I realized that climate change is not only about the environment. It is also about international relations, economics, human rights, global inequality, and cooperation between countries.

One of the main things I learned from the discussion is that climate change does not stop at national borders. One country’s pollution can affect the entire planet. For example, greenhouse gas emissions from industrial countries can contribute to rising temperatures that impact small island nations, coastal cities, farming communities, and developing countries. This made me think about how unfair climate change can be. Some countries contribute more to the problem, while other countries may suffer more from the consequences.

In class, we also talked about how the United Nations tries to bring countries together to respond to global problems. Climate change is a good example of why the UN is important. No single country can solve this issue alone. Countries need to cooperate through international agreements, climate conferences, funding, technology sharing, and environmental policies. The Paris Agreement is one of the major examples of this cooperation because it encourages countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work toward limiting global temperature rise.

I also realized that climate change is connected to security and migration. If people lose their homes because of flooding, drought, or extreme weather, they may be forced to move. This can create pressure on governments and communities. Climate change can also affect food production, water access, and public health. These problems show that climate change is not just a future issue; it is already affecting people around the world.

This, the IAS 3383 class discussion helped me see climate change as more than an environmental topic. It is a global issue that connects science, politics, economics, and human lives. The United Nations plays an important role by giving countries a space to discuss, negotiate, and hopefully take action together. I learned that solving climate change will require responsibility, cooperation, and fairness. It is not only about protecting the earth, but also about protecting people and building a more sustainable future.

~THE END~

Attending the Elevating Leaders Summit hosted by APIA Scholars and reflecting on leadership, identity, and international topics.

Hosted by: APIA Scholars

I had the opportunity to attend the Elevating Leaders Summit, also known as ELS, hosted by APIA Scholars. This event brought together APIA Scholarship recipients for a day of leadership, community building, and meaningful conversations. For me, this was more than just a summit. It was a space where students from different backgrounds could come together, share their stories, learn from one another, and think more deeply about what leadership means in today’s world.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the event was the sense of community. Everyone came from different schools, families, cultures, and experiences, but we all shared a similar goal of growing as students and future leaders. I think this made the event very special because it reminded me that leadership is not only about being successful by yourself, but also about helping others, listening to different perspectives, and building connections.

Throughout the summit, we had conversations about leadership, education, identity, and the role students can play in their communities. I also found it meaningful that the event connected personal development with bigger international topics. We talked about cross-border country relations and how different nations, cultures, and communities interact with one another. These discussions made me think about how global issues are not far away from us. They affect students, families, businesses, education, and even the way we understand our own identities.

Another part of the event that I appreciated was the focus on storytelling. Hearing other students talk about their backgrounds and experiences reminded me that everyone has a different path. Some students talked about family expectations, cultural identity, career goals, and the pressure of being a first-generation or underrepresented student. These stories were powerful because they showed how leadership can come from personal experience. Sometimes the challenges people face become the reason they want to help others in the future.

The Elevating Leaders Summit also gave me a chance to reflect on my own journey. As a college student, I am still learning how to grow professionally, academically, and personally. Events like this help me think about what kind of leader I want to become. I do not think leadership has to mean having a big title. It can also mean being responsible, being open-minded, supporting your community, and trying to understand people from different backgrounds.

Overall, attending the Elevating Leaders Summit was a meaningful experience. I learned more about leadership, connected with other scholars, and had the chance to reflect on international topics such as cross-border relations and global community. The event reminded me that leadership is not only local, but also global. It is about understanding people, building bridges, and using our own experiences to make a positive impact.

~THE END~

Celebrating the Lunar New Year with the Asian American Student Association at the Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center.

Hosted by: Asian American Student Association

On Wednesday, February 12th, I went with my friends to the Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Asian American Student Association, also known as AASA. The event took place at the Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center, and it was a beautiful evening filled with food, music, performances, cultural activities, and a strong sense of community. This year’s celebration welcomed the Year of the Horse which made the event feel even more exciting and meaningful.

When we first arrived, the doors had already opened, and there were many students, faculty, staff, and community members gathering together. I really liked how the event was open to everyone It made the celebration feel welcoming. Since I went with friends, it also felt more fun because we could take pics the event together, and enjoy the food as a group.

The food was definitely one of the highlights for me. Food always makes cultural events feel more real and memorable because it gives people a chance to experience culture in a simple but powerful way. Sharing food with others also made the event feel like a community gathering. It reminded me that holidays are not only about traditions, but also about bringing people together.

Later in the evening, the performances began there was music, cultural performances, and different activities that everyone learn more about the meaning of Lunar New Year. I enjoyed seeing students and performers share their talents because it showed how culture can be celebrated through art, movement, and sound. The performances made the event feel lively and joyful, and I could tell that a lot of effort had been put into planning everything.

Overall, attending the Lunar New Year celebration with my friends was a fun and meaningful experience. I was able to enjoy the food, watch performances, learn more about Asian cultures, and celebrate the beginning of a new year with the OU and Norman community. The event reminded me of the importance of culture, community, and taking time to celebrate traditions with others. I am glad I went, and it was a great way to welcome the Year of the Horse with good fortune, health, and joy. Pics pics below 😉

~THE END~ by addison

Exploring Washington D.C.’s Chinatown, learning about Chinese culture, and trying different foods.

Hosted by: APIA Org

During my visit to Washington D.C., one of the most memorable places I explored was Chinatown. I had always heard about D.C. being full of history, museums, government buildings, and monuments, but visiting Chinatown gave me a different kind of experience. Also about walking through a cultural space, trying food, and seeing how Chinese culture has become part of the city’s identity.

One of the first things that stand out to me was the Friendship Archway. I attached a pic I took too below this. the colors, designs, and details made the entrance to Chinatown feel very special. Even though Chinatown is surrounded by the busy streets of Washington D.C., the archway gave the area a unique feeling and reminded me that culture can exist strongly even in the middle of a modern city.

As I walked around, I noticed restaurants, signs, shops, and small cultural details that made the area interesting to explore. It was fun to see how Chinese language and design were mixed into the everyday environment. I think what made the experience meaningful was that I was not only visiting a place, but also learning how immigrant communities bring their traditions, food, and identity into American cities.

This visit was amazing to me and seeing how Chinatown are important. They are more than tourist spots but also places that preserve history and identity.

Overall, visiting Washington D.C.’s was a fun and meaningful experience. I enjoyed the culture, the food, the architecture, and the feeling of being in a place that represents both history and community. It was one of those moments where I got to enjoy myself, but also reflect on how important it is to respect and appreciate different cultures.

~THE END~ by addison