The importance of culture resonates across all communities and this university is no different. Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month is recognized in May and to kick it off, Asian President’s Council (APC), in collaboration with our magazine, is hosting a fashion show to celebrate. This organization has also brought events such as the Boba Semi-Annual Social and APIDA City Limits to the TAMU campus in order to “create a safe space where people can express themselves as APIDA students”. We interviewed Hannah Bang and Faryal Jabar, co-directors of APC programming, to discuss their organization and the meaning of culture. 

What does your culture mean to you?

Hannah:

My culture is a chance and opportunity to just be myself. Growing up I loved and hated some things about my culture – I couldn’t accept it fully. There were some times where I regretted some things about my culture and I didn’t like how it was a part of me. I’ve accepted the fact now that your culture and your identity will always be together and once you come to peace with that, you’ll start to see the beauty in that.

Faryal:

[My culture] is a huge part of who I am. It has really formed decisions I’ve made, the people I've wanted to get to know, and kinda just what my interests are. So I think through my culture, I’ve been able to have better understanding of how things work and [a better understanding] of other people. [Culture is] really fun to celebrate and share with other people, so I think that’s what I’ve brought to APC.

What does your involvement in APC look like?

Hannah:

As co-director of programming, I'm working with Faryal, my partner, to organize a lot of events that basically bring all the APIDA orgs and community together. There are some notable big events like the semi-annual boba social – we invite all APIDA orgs to table and all prospective members [who are] interested in joining a community or org.They would come in and get to know the orgs and get free boba basically which is what kinda draws them in. We have like hundreds of attendants every year but that’s one of the biggest things we do. 

Faryal:

We also have for the first time this year hosted APIDA City Limits and so it was a big music festival and it was open to all students to apply and perform. Aggie park was just built, so we got to have it there and it was really awesome because all the community was [able] to get together and celebrate and have a good time and listen to other people’s cultures, voices, and talents 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate your culture?

Hannah:

Like I said before because culture is something you can’t take away, it’s always a part of yourself. You kind of have to love yourself and love your culture as well. So, celebrating your culture means you're [also]coming to acceptance [with yourself], but you're also sharing that with other people. Have fun but also connect with your roots, and the fact that you all share something like a lifestyle, that is unique to who you guys are, and that is not really found in other parts.

Faryal:

I feel like being in a more of a minority population specifically at Texas A&M, it is really nice to have a space that is meant specifically to celebrate your culture and to create connection; it just feels more welcoming. And I think that is the goal of our events;[there is] something for everyone and especially [in] creating a safe space. [It is] more than [just] a safe space, but a space where people can express themselves as APIDA students.

How would you describe your relationship with your culture?

Hannah:

I think I am at a better place now. Growing up, I was not around anyone with the same culture as me. Because of that experience, I was able to be comfortable just being myself. I love my culture and being able to share that experience around me. I was born in South Korea, so I am South Korean 100%. However, when I moved here, I was introduced to so many other 

cultures, so it is so nice to learn about this variety. Noticing the differences in other cultures helps you understand what is so unique about each individual culture. 

Faryal:

I come from different cultures. Growing up in America is another culture. I was really able to embrace that coming to college, when being around other people. Putting on these events is a reminder of how important it is to showcase these cultures and to be able to take part in events that surround your own personal identity.

What do you think people should know about APC? Or about Asian culture in general?

Faryal:

 APC is an organization for all APIDA students. These events try to showcase talent, create inclusive and fun spaces. APC is here for any concerns and open to any changes. APC should be that outlet for any and all APIDA students. 

I am half Pakistani and half Chinese. Something I have found to be similar in both of them is a strong sense of community whilst being supportive, though we are sometimes being pitted against each other. However, at the root of the heart of Asian culture is connection and supporting each other, and the food is obviously really good. 

Hannah:

That's a good point. I guess going off what [Faryal] said, I want people to know that APC is here. We've always been trying since I think 2010 to create a safe space for all APIDA students on campus. I know that A&M is not the most diversity-recognized campus so we want them to know that there is a space here where you can belong. I know APC still has a long way to go as far as name recognition goes, so I just want to get it out there like “Hey we're here for you if you need us.” For asian culture in general I think there is so much out there, you shouldn't just classify it as one culture; there's so many parts of it. I encourage everyone.. to kind of explore and see what's out there.

The 2023 APIDA Heritage Month Fashion Show will take place on March 30 at Bethancourt Ballroom at MSC 2300 D&E, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event will be a display of grand fashion, involving a runway centering and showcasing cultural and personal attire while incorporating costumes inspired by APIDA characters in media: highlighting the importance of cultural representation. Following the fashion show will be a selection of dance and musical performances by APIDA Texas A&M students. All students are invited to attend and share in the celebration of cultural diversity and fashion!

Written by Chloe Pham and Hannah Toy; Photos provided by Asian Presidents’ Council, Graphic: Erin Feng