Cultural clubs help bring light to AAPI month on campus

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Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students find a sense of community this month through the clubs and organizations on campus. 

The month of May marks AAPI Heritage Month. This is a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture and contributions of AAPI communities, which campus clubs are contributing to. 

Students said that despite the challenges that being an AAPI student has brought them, this month has always been an anchor for them to feel valued and seen. 

Many clubs and organizations on campus, including Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA), Kapamilya and Pua’ikeana have helped students find a community as AAPI students, says Katelyn Chong, a senior television writing and production major. 

The president of APSA, Diego Fondevilla, a junior data science major, said that getting to lead a group like APSA brings him bliss. 

“It’s always an exciting and prideful moment to meet with APSA,” said Fondevilla. “I get to meet a wonderful variety of people and help connect people from different backgrounds together. I get to see beautiful friendships and passionate people as a result of those friendships.” 

Donnie James Jr. Militante, a sophomore computer science major, said that this month is a reminder of how proud he is to be a part of the AAPI community.  

“AAPI month to me is like looking in the mirror, it’s a reminder of who I am and where I come from,” said Militante. “It’s a place where I feel seen and truly proud, especially seeing others like me doing incredible things. It really highlights the diversity within our communities and how rich and vibrant our cultures are.”

Being involved with clubs like APSA has helped create a safe space on campus for Militante. 

“APSA has made Chapman feel a lot more like home,” said Militante. “It helped me meet friends I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise, both in and outside the club. It’s a space that’s both welcoming and inclusive, and it really shows how strong the community can be when people show up for each other.” 

Ava DeCristofaro, a sophomore software engineering major, said despite her struggle with AAPI identity over the years, this month has helped her find a sense of belonging. 

“As a Filipino American, I’ve constantly struggled with the identity of whether my Filipino heritage was considered Asian or Pacific Islander,” said DeCristofaro. “Although it can be argued either way, with AAPI month, regardless of which region I identify with, I am represented and celebrated along with my fellow peers.” 

APSA hosts their annual Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) event every year that showcases AAPI artists through dancing, singing and cultural performances. 

DeCristofaro said that the APIDA event has made a positive impact on her experience as an AAPI student at Chapman. 

“Not only does Chapman encourage involvement in numerous AAPI club organizations on campus, but also hosts an event specifically in honor of Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American students,” said DeCristofaro. “APIDA is my favorite initiative from Chapman because it provides countless performance opportunities and exposure for artists in the AAPI community.”