APASA Spotlight: Serena Zhu

Why did you apply to APASA?

Oh shoot, okay all the way back to freshman year… I think I was drawn to APASA because of its structure and reach. I applied a little bit on a whim (aka at the last minute) because there was something about celebrating different APA cultures that made me think, "Huh, not everyone here came from the same background that I do -- how can I hear about them?"

Favorite APASA memory so far:

My favorite APASA memory to date would probably have to be being an intern freshman year and just seeing the spread of people and vendors at Night Market on McCarthy Quad. Super vivid image of that night, even if I don't really remember what my job was LOL.

A significant cultural milestone for you:

Andrew Yang being one of the democratic candidates for 2020-- I never engaged in with politics/understanding the system that ran our country up until recently. I think having an Asian American in the race (even amongst his flaws and whatnot) is so crazy and opens up a new realm for people to understand that APA individuals care about our governing bodies, too. It's crazy to see how people are actually talking about him (outside of the APA community) on such a large platform of running for the literal. PRESIDENT. of AMERICA.

What does being APA mean to you?

Being APA to me no longer just means craving noodles at the middle of the night or taking shoes off in my house, but it means embracing my parents' tendencies and bridging them with mine. It's about being wholly American and wholly Chinese, and not having to prove my worth in either identity. It's like having both mac and cheese/green bean casserole and roasted duck/dumplings/baozi at the table, and being able to enjoy them all!!

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

I would plan a cooking show somehow, with famous guest Steven Lim to judge the creations of students. That would be so cool LOL, but probably not allowed...

What is your long-term goal for APASA? 

I want APASA to be a system on campus that is for the students. Being student run, I think it's important that we voice our concerns for the campus and do whatever we can to promote inclusion of our students as well as celebrate them! I hope that APASA can create events that garner attention not just because of the level of fame that we invite, nor the amount of delicious free food that we provide, but because we can provide a space that is welcoming to the students that need community the most.

Thank you Serena!