APASA Spotlight: Kaitlyn Chu

Why did you apply to APASA?

It was Orientation and my very first visit to USC as an incoming student. I glanced at the activity list and my eyes excitedly caught the attention of “APASS: Asian Pacific American Student Services.” After stumbling around the fourth floor of the Student Union, I finally found it! I immediately joined their email distribution, and I have been receiving the biweekly emails since. This is where I first learned about the various opportunities to get involved in the Asian Pacific American community here. At the Asian Pacific American Student Welcome, I met students who were able to introduce APASA’s role and mission to me. From this understanding, combined with attending many APASA events on campus, APASA is a supportive and strong community that oversees the numerous Asian Pacific American member organizations. This organization is needed to assist the member organizations in operating the best they can be and in organizing impactful programming for their members. APASA helps these organizations run smoothly, while also playing a role in the larger USC community. The vision of creating a supportive and united community is reflected through the collaborative events on campus. APASA truly meets its goals of offering inclusive and fun programming for all students, and I knew I had to be a part of it.

Favorite APASA memory so far:

I have countless happy memories of APASA and the people within in — one of my favorite memories was our journey to Salt & Straw during retreat. It was a lovely stroll through some interesting alleys, but hey we made it. And the ice cream was delicious. Also, I will never forget the team cheer we did after every event.

A significant cultural milestone for you:

Seeing Bao, a short film written and directed by Domee Shi and produced by Pixar Animation Studios, in theaters was a very significant moment for me. Bao is paving the way for diversification of animation and film with its stories and storytellers.

Recently, there has been a collective calling to increase representation and to give people of color, who historically have never had a seat at the table, an opportunity to express themselves. In times where what is shown on the news feels distant and impersonal, it is stories like Bao that humanize underrepresented groups within popular culture. Empathy and compassion are some of the first steps humanity can take to championing each other’s differences, and it can start with a cute, squishy bao.

What does being APA mean to you?

I find that one of the biggest issues facing the Asian Pacific Islander community today is the stereotype of being quiet and not needing to speak up. APASA can leverage its platform to combat these adversities by hosting events for the community to participate in. After Japan’s catastrophic 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, my hometown held its first “Walk the Farm” fundraiser to raise money for Japanese farmers who had suffered horrific losses. Two years later, I was concerned to hear that participation had decreased, and that there were even talks to permanently cancel this annual event. Despite worries over radiation from nearby Fukushima, I traveled to Sendai, Japan to meet with Farmer Otomo. He had tragically lost his home, his farming machinery, and his neighbors. Fundraising efforts had kept his family afloat, but he still desperately needed assistance to farm on his land again. I realized that it was imperative for me to speak up for the farmers to raise awareness. When I returned home, I wrote an essay to over 2,000 readers to gain more support for the next “Walk the Farm.” I was so excited that the number of participants and donations substantially increased after my efforts. Instead of being cancelled, “Walk the Farm” had a record 2,500 walkers, 600 volunteers, and raised over $100,000! I believe that APASA can encourage students to use their voice by taking initiative through publication or events.

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

If I could plan any event at USC, I would love to create an in-person community for Asian Pacific American designers and creatives. The goal would be to connect over our shared experiences and elevate each other through sharing, mentoring and celebrating.

What is your long-term goal for APASA? 

APASA has the potential to touch the lives the greater APA community within Los Angeles through advocacy, events and passion.

Thank you Kaitlyn! 😉