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

藏族是中国的小数民族之一。主要分布住在青藏高原，而且在中国境里人口是700万。我以前上西藏佛教课所以选了这个小数民族。藏族有很多特色的节日比如燃灯节，藏历新年，沐浴节等等。燃灯节日期是藏历十月二十五日。燃灯节并不是一个欢庆的节日，而是一个庄严，虔诚的，为了缅怀与追思的日子。 他们做酥油灯，摆酥油灯。藏历新年的日期是藏历神变月初一至初三。藏历新年活动包括插新经幡、驱鬼、转山拜佛、还有赛马。沐浴节日期是藏历七月六日至十二日举行，历时7天。活动包括洗头洗澡、洗藏被、藏装等。很多西藏佛教信徒。佛教原从印度到西藏，有两个主要的阶段。第一个是七世纪的吐蕃王朝代，接下来是十世纪的复兴时期。在七世纪上，西藏的赞普是“松赞干布”。他在位期间将内乱平息，统一吐蕃成为西藏。

拼多多是一个有用的应用程序，为了省钱非用拼多多不可。在全球市场苹果应用下载榜中 ,电商APP拼多多的下载量排名全球第9。以拼多多为代表的团购模式，相比传统电商模式有更强的“群众基础”，消费者对新消费模式的认可度正以肉眼可见的速度增长。对团购模式的解释是一种基于集体购买行为的商业模式。

阿里巴巴集团是一个主要用于批量集商业采购的在线平台。用户可以直接与制造商和供应商建立联系，并比较不同卖家的价格。它还允许企业定制印有标志或设计的产品，并批量采购各类商品用于转售，涵盖电子产品，服装，配饰等众多品类。相比之下，淘宝是由阿里巴巴集团旗下的一个以消费者为中心的市场。它的运作方式与亚马逊和eBay类似，即个人卖家和小型企业直接向消费者销售商品。无论适用于日常购物还是小批量采购，人们都能以极低的价格买到种类放多的商品，如服装，家居用品和电子产品。

除了在应用程序像拼多多，阿里巴巴，淘宝等买衣，你也可以买日常用品在直播。很多人卖东西直播中在应用程序，这是特别常见的在小红书。在小红书上进行直播的人需要已经有超过500名粉丝和账户验证用中国身份证为进行直播，所以买东西在这些直播是很安全的。这些直播中卖的商品常常有打折，所以这是省钱的好办法。

中國人比美國人更注重教育。美國的學生對他們自己的教育有更多的選擇，中國學生不是這樣。中國學生有很大的壓力，而且中國學生的父母監管孩子的教育, 有更多社會的壓力。内卷滲透在每個人生活的方方面面。這種壓力造成了競爭，而競爭造成了不斷内卷的惡循環。

内卷有很多原因。除了父母的壓力以外，學生與學生互相之間也有很多競爭。學生們覺得他們需要超出期望。中國學生在媒體上將這個事情舉了個例子。學生表示：“如果文章的文字限量是5,000字，有些學生會寫8000-10,000字。” 這個奇怪的現象很有意思，因爲美國的教育完全不一樣。如果美國的教授遇到學生的作文超過了5000字的限量，他們只會讀限量内的5000字。另外，内卷不僅僅存與在教育領域，也存在與工商領域。別的内卷的原因是中國的人口。中國大陸總人口為十四億五百萬人。這事情很簡單，人越多競爭也越多。

2021年爲了抗議内卷的文化，一個“躺平大師”橫空出現。“两年多没有工作了，都在玩，没觉得哪里不对，压力主要来自身边人互相攀比，寻找身份，傳統和长辈的認同。”作者表示的意思是:我們可以擺脫内卷的惡性循環。躺平跟美國的靜坐抗議有一樣的基本原則：不要參與惡性循環。

這個問題有什麽解決方法嗎？首先，人們應該樹立正確的價值觀，一個人的價值不在與成功與否，生命是寶貴的。其次，因爲我相信每個人都有不同的恩賜，如果每個人都能發掘自己不同的恩賜，然後對社會做出自己應有的貢獻。這樣就會有助與減少内卷。

One of my strongest memories from my time abroad happened soon after I checked into my dorm. I lived on a floor with students from all over the world. When I was in the kitchen near the start of term, I met a girl from Ukraine. When she found out I was an American, she told me she didn’t wish to offend me but she wondered who I voted for. This surprised me. In the United States, I would not easily discuss politics with someone I had just met, and especially not my choice in an election. 

A few months later, I was in the laundry room of the same dorm, when the man fixing one of the units started a conversation. Again, after finding out I was an American, he began to discuss politics, telling me his opinions on President Trump’s policies and how he believed they could apply in Scotland. This one was a little nerve-wracking as he was standing between me and the door. I can say with confidence he did not intend the conversation to be threatening, but he also did not care too much to hear my views either. 

In the United States, religion and politics are two almost “taboo” topics. You can talk about them, but only in mutually accepted spaces and contexts. Otherwise, you can be seen as too out of line or too controversial. I was surprised to find that this is not the case everywhere, specifically with politics. This wasn’t something I could discover by researching the country before I went. I could only learn by experiencing it. 

I’m still not sure how I would have handled either of these situations were they to happen again. My cultural gut reaction is to be wary when someone comes off strong with politics. But I am interested to know what would happen were I to be just a little bit freer with my opinions and just a little bit more willing to discuss difficult topics with new people. I think I’d be forced to look at my own understanding of the world a bit differently. The experience would be invaluable.