An Asian American and Pacific Islander panel was held to showcase the perspective of AAPI students on campus and what they feel others should know about their experiences to other students and faculty on Wednesday in Coleman Hall from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
One of the students on the panel was Jyoti Lama, a graduate student from Nepal majoring in clinical psychology, who encouraged incoming international students to do their research and connect with those already at Eastern Illinois University.
Another panel speaker was Jensen Wong, a sophomore finance major and president of EIU Asian and Pacific Islander Association, who said that he believes the school should hold more events like the AAPI panel.
“I think Eastern definitely needs more events like this,” Wong said. “I’m always happy to share my experience as a Chinese American.”
Jenson said anyone coming to Eastern as an Asian American or Pacific Islander should just be themselves and be mindful of the environment at Eastern and the surrounding area.
“Never be afraid to be yourself, Be authentic to your culture,” said Jensen. “But be mindful that people around here, they’re not used to it.”
One of the audience members that came to the panel was Daniel Donovan, a senior digital media and technology major.
Donovan said that it was interesting to see the different perspectives of people with different cultures.
“I thought it was pretty interesting getting these perspectives. I think it’s just kind of unfair what they must go through,” Donovan said. “I mean, it’s hard. I just wish they had better support systems.”
One of the faculty members helping set up the panel was Executive Director for Belonging, Access and Engagement John Blue who said that this event is important for students and facility to see different experiences and live other from their own experiences.
“I think it’s always important to hear the lived experiences and the narratives of other people’s lives,” he said.
Another faculty member was Jin-Hong Kim, an assistant political science professor, who said that this panel helped people learn about what’s happening around them.
“We’re often very oblivious of what’s happening around us,” said Kim. “Some community members on campus might experience a little bit more burdensome experiences than other students.”
Kim also said she wished there were more audience members that came to see the panel.
“I wish we had a little bit more audience [attendance],” Kim said. “I wanted a lot more of a student body that has similar experiences.”
Rob Crownson can be reached at 581-2812 or at rjcrownson@eiu.edu.