STUDENT GROUPS SEEKS AAPI APPRECIATION

ZACH HINEY, TRUMPET STAFF WRITER

There are many different groups on Wartburg’s campus that work to promote diversity through their ideals and actions. One of those groups is the Asian Student Association, or ASA.  

“ASA is a group dedicated to the education and appreciation of Asian and Pacific Island cultures,” said Kaitlyn Parks, a fourth-year music therapy major and member of the group.  

The group’s main goal is to plan activities to learn about other cultures and to have fun at the same time, Park added. 

ASA currently has five executive team members and close to 120 general members. The group hosts events on campus that pertain to the Asian and Pacific Island cultures and are planning more events to talk about the issues that Asian and Asian-American face in the future. 

The AAPI group is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, U.S. Census data shows. 

ASA also has some other goals as well, according to the college website, and includes familiarizing social and political aspects of the communities, breaking stereotypes, providing a support system for those coping with college and promoting unity and cooperation within the Wartburg community. Like other diversity groups on campus, the ASA wants to help everyone feel comfortable on Wartburg’s campus.  

The ASA and other groups like it on campus also gives students opportunities to grow and learn about new topics.  

“My favorite part about being a member of ASA is that it gives me an opportunity to push myself to learn more, and helps me to be more considerate of others and their situations,” Parks said.  

She also said that being in the group gives her an opportunity to be a better advocate.  

The ASA is always welcoming new members, so students interested in participating in future events or joining can reach out to the executive team at asa@wartburg.edu.