Asian American / Asian Research Institute
The City University of New York
Vicki Zheng (Baruch College) aims to support Asian American commuter students’ transitions to college by addressing mental health and cultural challenges. She partnered with Apex for Youth to launch a Discord channel for academic and social support, with plans to expand to more campuses in 2023-2024.
Kaitlyn Chan, a sophomore at Brooklyn College double-majoring in biology and psychology, interviewed AAPI activists and supporters about the actions that they were taking to combat the recent rise in anti-Asian hate; their experiences with discrimination, racism, and prejudice in school and the workplace; and their thoughts on the lack of Asian American representation in politics and media.
Ms. Vikii Wong, a Communications and Media major, is in the early stages of researching on the Stop Asian Hate movement, based on a class paper. Vikii will gather qualitative and quantitative data on the status of Asian hate crimes, including the recent spa shootings in Atlanta, Georgia on March 16, 2021. She plans to raise awareness by learning about the current state of Asian hate in the United States, and perhaps Canada—as Vancouver has a large Asian population.
Ms. Gina Gao, a Hospitality Management major at New York City College of Technology, was an intern and employee at Turnstile Tours, hosting tours and virtual programs across New York City. Before arriving to the United States in 2012, Gina obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Hubei University in China, and worked for seven years as a tour guide and itinerary planner. Due to the downturn of the tourism industry in 2020, Gina shifted careers and became a New York City police officer in order to serve the community.
Ms. Biling Chen, a Chemistry major, plans to conduct a weekly volunteer workshop to assist newly-arrived Asian international students at Queensborough Community College with guidance on how to navigate American and college life, and offer tutoring for science, math and English courses. The workshop will be conducted in English to help students practice their speaking skills, and to foster more social connections on and off-campus. Participants will also visit local retirement homes to provide company to Asian immigrant seniors who may feel isolated.
AAARI celebrated its 17th anniversary as part of CUNY, and honored leaders and CUNY alumni, John C. Liu (NYS Senate-elect) and Ava Chin (author/professor, College of Staten Island), as well as students award recipients for the CUNY Thomas Tam Scholarship and Chynn-CUNY Essay and Morality Essay Contest.