APASA Spotlight: Catherine Kim

Why did you apply to APASA?

For me, I was drawn to APASA because I saw APASA as not only a tight-knit family of passionate, driven people working towards important APA issues, but also and more importantly loved the aspect of everyone getting to know each other’s unique stories and backgrounds (because even though we’re united in our Asian identities, there also coexists a myriad of differences, such as our cultures, passions, dreams, and personalities).

Favorite APASA memory so far:

Planning for Night Market (and seeing the incredible turnout and success!)

A significant cultural milestone for you:

When Lily Singh got her own late night show on NBC because she is the first bisexual woman of Asian roots to have her own show on a major broadcast network!

What does being APA mean to you?

For me, being APA in the States means being able to equally explore and learn more about both my Korean and American roots. As a first-generation American immigrant, I moved to the States when I was 9 years old. Although I know how to speak and write Korean fluently, I frequently find myself confused and being unable to understand some of the cultural and literary references my family and the elders make. Therefore, personally, being an APA in the status quo means possessing the ability to fully embrace both of my backgrounds.

If you could plan any event at USC, what would it be?

I personally love Survivor, so maybe some fun and less extreme version of a survival reality show? (It'll bring everyone close and foster teamwork haha!)

What is your long-term goal for APASA? 

My long-term goal for APASA is to cultivate a tight-knit community and network that will be joined together in the firm desire to get to know and embrace our Asian and Pacific Asian American heritage and roots.

Thank you Catherine!