With Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month occurring in May, Asian American students in Marshall have mixed feelings about it. So, to understand more and get a better understanding of what this month means to Asian American students I interviewed Seniors Aidan Bang, the current Asian Student Union President, Anthony Cotek and Soyoon Lee.

When it comes to each interviewees thoughts on the holiday, views were mixed. Some like Bang said, “It is an important opportunity to come together and appreciate the history and culture of the many diverse groups mentioned above. It allows for chances to respect diversity and embrace differences.” While others like Cotek had a less celebratory view and instead focused on the lower prices by saying, “In my experience, it’s often been more of a consumer-based month for us. We get specific Filipino foods, products, and traditions highlighted and occasionally on discount. That’s been the highlight for me.” Lee on the other hand took a middle between Cotek’s and Bang’s beliefs in the holiday by saying, “It doesn’t mean anything specific for me, just because I don’t really celebrate anything. However, I do know the importance of such a month for our community, as it allows for more alliances and brings us together as Asians. ”

Bang also commented that he and ASU would like to collaborate with ASB to hold events celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, with Cotek agreeing with more events, saying that he would like “…having more community-based events and festivals exploring Filipino culture. Our culture has been a little lacking.”