APASA Spotlight: Cody Mizuguchi

Why did you apply to APASA?

I joined APASA because I wanted to surround myself with like-minded people who were passionate about Asian-Pacific-American (APA) community. Growing up in Hawaii, which has a predominate Asian population, I wanted stay in touch with my Asian roots and identity and learn more about Asian-Pacific related issues [both in Los Angeles, nationally and globally]. I wanted to understand how being Asian-American in the US has shaped the lives and upbringing of students here at USC, and hear their stories and experience about what it means to be APA. In joining APASA this semester as an intern, I believe to have found my second family and hope to continue to spread cultural awareness about Asian-Pacific climate change at USC.

Favorite APASA memory so far:

Definitely the Night Market because I loved how APASA was able to spread awareness about Asian culture at USC and see how all the attendees could come to together, bond and experience this spectacular event for themselves.

A significant cultural milestone for you:

Seeing Blackpink perform at Coachella and knowing they were the first ever [female] K-pop group to perform there because they (1) made history, (2) were able to represent and empower the Asian community in the entertainment industry and (3) were absolutely show-stopping performers.

What does being APA mean to you?

Being APA is what constitutes my underlying cultural identity. Upon being raised as a Japanese-Korean American, I’m proud of my heritage and family upbringing, even though I don’t speak a word of either language. Holding a duality of both [an] Asian and American identity has allowed me to experience both an individualistic and collectivist view of things and a fusion of diverse interests from food to popular culture. Upon being in APASA this year, I’ve been able to receive a wider scope and understanding of both East and Southeast Asian culture. Despite being from Hawaii where there is a huge Asian population, I often forget about Southeast [and Central] Asia, since I’m so focused on identifying with and associating Eastern-Asia only. Through this and as a result, being APA has also taught me that upon sharing a similar racial background with my peers, we, as individuals, each have a unique identity and story that helps exude diversity.

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

An all day Carnival with rides, games, food, a petting zoo and a final concert + celebrity meet and greet at night to wrap things up.

What is your long-term goal for APASA? 

To establish, promote, and embrace a foundational appreciation of one’s Pan-Asian identity + Asian-American intersectionality.

Thank you Cody!