UnificAsian introduces students to MU Asian-American resources

The Asian American Association's dance team, Official, performed.

By Amber Wade

Published Sept. 8, 2008

Although UnificAsian, an orientation event organized by the Asian American Association, did not attract a large crowd, organizers said they were happy with the contacts they did make.

UnificAsian co-coordinator Alana Zhu said the event was successful but that there's always room for improvement. Zhu also serves as the AAA internal vice president.

"Freshmen are kind of scared to get involved in events, especially if they're by themselves, so UnificAsian presents them with the opportunity to learn about themselves and about the MU Asian-American community," Zhu said.

The event brought all the major Asian-American organizations together in one place to show new students opportunities for involvement within the Asian-American community.

AAA treated guests to a free lunch from downtown Asian restaurants and pointers from journalism career services adviser Phousavanh Sengsavanh.

Students then gathered to participate in icebreaker games, a tour of downtown and campus, small group discussions and to watch a performance by AAA dance team Official. Afterwards, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization joined the event for an activity fair, where the Asian-American and Hispanic organizations provided more information to new students.

Event co-coordinator Rachel Kuo said UnificAsian gives new Asian-American students the chance to participate at MU.

"UnificAsian helps new students get involved in their communities and become more acclimated to campus by learning more about their opportunities," Kuo said.

Event co-coordinator and AAA President Alex Tsao said the main objective of UnificAsian is to provide Asian-American students with a support group.

"UnificAsian introduces freshmen and transfer students to MU's Asian-American community and provides them with a social network where they can meet similar students," Tsao said.

Tsao said each year the turnout for the event seems to improve.

"This is the third annual UnificAsian and every year it gradually gets bigger, so hopefully we eventually get the majority of new Asian-American students to attend," Tsao said. "Right now UnificAsian is virtually new and we're trying to help people realize it exists and is beneficial."

Kuo said the turnout is not the only way to determine the success of the event.

"Last year was successful because all the freshmen who participated in UnificAsian ended up joining AAA or another Asian-American organization," Kuo said.

Freshman Michelle Tang said she decided to attend the event to get a feel for what opportunities are available.

"I came to UnificAsian to become a part of the Asian-American community," Tang said. "I'm a freshman so I'm just trying to fit in and find a place where I belong."

Tang said the best part about UnificAsian was meeting new people.

"The members are so welcoming and open," Tang said. "They really know how to relieve the anxiety you feel when meeting all these new people at one time."

Kuo said the event did not last as long this year in hopes that new students will find it more appealing when they don't have to commit to an entire Sunday.

A magazine called Perspectives was available at UnificAsian, which lists Asian-American organizations along with campus resources, MU traditions and fun things to do downtown. The magazine's main contributors are AAA members.

Kuo said the magazine is a good resource for new students because it includes information on the Asian-American community and the entire MU community.

Participants in UnificAsian included AAA, Alpha Phi Gamma sorority, the Asian American Student Journalism Association, the South Asian Student Association and the Asian Christian Fellowship.