The Southeast Asian Student Association Club is an advocacy group for misrepresented Southeast Asian communities at Aliso Niguel. The president of the club, Kat Tran (11), found this club to help shed light on the importance of different cultures at school and to bring students together to form a strong community.
Kat shares, “I was inspired to start this club because of my own personal experiences as a Southeast Asian. It’s surprising, but many people don’t even know where Vietnam is! If my own culture is being misrepresented, then the same is probably happening to others.”
While Southeast Asian countries are very popularized and admired by Americans, many regions of Asia are neglected by social media and communities in the United States. Oftenwise, students do not know many details or insight about various cultures throughout the whole world unless it has some sort of significance to them. Many American students traced from countries like Vietnam and Malaysia feel rarely acknowledged due to the lack of information known about their cultures.
Kat Tran and Mae Villamil (11), the vice president, work together to educate the members of their club on the political and social issues that occur in Southeast Asia. During every meeting, they pick topics to discuss together that play major importance to people from all over the world.
Learning about global issues makes the members of the club recognize different methods to address issues and advocate for the wellbeing of others. It can also inspire them to take initiative to help change the community in a positive way. By doing so, students grasp a better understanding of what other people may endure in their daily lives living in a completely different environment than they do.
Kayla Mach (10) is the treasurer of the Southeast Asian Student Association and says, “SEASA has given me an opportunity to connect back to my roots and educate myself on other cultures. I’ve also made strong relationships with people that I can relate with culturally which has helped me grow as an individual.”
By learning about diverse cultures and differences, members recognize how to empathize with their classmates and peers. Appreciating the cultures that surround the community teaches others the importance of inclusivity and kindness.
Uniting with others students from Aliso Niguel that share similar cultural backgrounds can help individuals feel supported and connected to their traditions and values. Feeling accepted in a community that is diverse helps students maintain their cultural identity.
Keeping one’s individual traits and background spreads the beauty of their heritage for others to appreciate. People can embrace other cultures and traditions by being respectful and meaningful of their customs and beliefs. With this,he Southeast Asian Student Association prioritizes the acknowledgement of Southeast Asian countries; yet they appreciate the inclusivity of all ethnicities and races as well.
Their meetings are held on the first Friday of every month in P-1. Students who are interested in learning more about global issues and cultural importance are encouraged to attend and participate in the Southeast Asian Association Club.
