APASA Spotlight: Patrick Fang
Why did you apply to APASA?
I was drawn to APASA because of the potential it offered as a community with purpose. Not only are you surrounded by incredibly passionate, motivated individuals that you get to constantly learn from and build lasting friendships with, but you're also grounded by getting to actively collaborate with them on projects and events that benefit the USC APA community.
The logo was also really pretty lol APASA is an a e s t h e t i c org.
Favorite APASA memory so far:
Cultural Art Expo 2019! Getting to bask in the incredible food, performances, collaborations, presentations, and artist showcases during the event itself and then having a super fun time chilling and playing games with fellow APASA members afterwards (please ask me about Silent Football ;))! I think that night really represented the best of what APASA has to offer -- super meaningful events that really resonate with the broader USC population as well as the plethora of bonding opportunities within APASA.
A significant cultural milestone for you:
The Subtle Asian Traits Group on Facebook! Both because of its emergence as a global platform for Asians in the diaspora to connect through the uniquely similar experiences we have, as well as its significance as a movement that spawned a host of other communities like Subtle Asian Dating and Subtle Asian Cooking.
What does being APA mean to you?
Being APA to me means both pride and dissonance. The former, because you have such a rich heritage to derive inspiration from and be influenced by (as well as have stupidly good food to enjoy); and the latter, because being Asian American (Asian and American, Asian-American, however you will) means having to separately reconcile and navigate through these two identities, which is difficult especially when they conflict with each other.
If you could plan any event at USC, what would it be?
APA Superstar Bash (or summit or conference or something)! Where we invite every single APA figure of significance to campus and give students to chance to meet, eat, and hear presentations from/do workshops with them.
What is your long-term goal for APASA?
To incorporate the lessons it has offered me in shaping community and building representation into my broader career and personal goals.
Thank you Patrick!
