Stanford Asian American Class of 2020 & 2021 Celebration
Dear Classes of 2020 & 2021,
The Asian American Activities Center wishes our graduates all well and hopes that you have had the opportunity to celebrate your success in these past years.
Recognizing that the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 had limited opportunities to celebrate their graduation due to the pandemic, this spring 2022, the Asian American Activities Center offered to supplement these graduates’ return to campus with both a custom gift and a webpage dedicated to celebrating the graduates and their achievements. This page features some of the graduates who chose to come back and participate in this year’s celebration. Here, you can find their words of appreciation for family and communities that supported them throughout their time at Stanford.
Additionally, friends, family and supporters of the Class of 2021 can view last year’s virtual Asian American Graduation Ceremony below.
Please join us in celebrating these graduates from the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021!
Asian and Asian American Graduates of 2020 & 2021
Edwin Carlos (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Renton, WA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The A3C and AAPI community made me feel at home and gave me a space to learn and grow with the help and guidance of mentors and peers. I learned what mattered to me, how I can contribute to supporting issues in my communities, and how important my identity means to me.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
To my parents for working so hard for my siblings and me. To my grandparents who wish they could be here to celebrate my accomplishments. To my siblings for inspiring me to work hard. To my community for giving me the strength to keep going!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
About to start 3rd year of PhD program in school psychology studying Filipino and Asian American ethnic-racial identity attitudes and mental health outcomes
In what city are you currently residing in?
Oakland, CA
Stephanie Chao (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The Asian American Activities Center provided a space for me to continue exploring my Asian American identity, pointed me towards resources Stanford had to offer, and served as a physical reminder that my identity was important and valued.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you to my family for raising me with the strong values and work ethic I have today and for supporting me every step of the way. None of my achievements would be possible without my parents' sacrifices, and I am forever grateful to them. To my friends and supporters, thank you for entering into these chapters of my life and helping me grow in so many different ways. I've learned so much and been inspired by so many of you.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Eating, reading, dancing, making beverages (boba and coffee)
In what city are you currently residing in?
Los Angeles, CA
Ryan Chen (he/him/his) - Class of 2021
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Cupertino, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The Asian American community at Stanford was a welcoming and impactful community that helped me feel grounded and supported during my time at Stanford!
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you for your continuous love and support!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Software Engineering
In what city are you currently residing in?
Sunnyvale, CA
Jacky Chu (he/him/his and they/them) - Class of 2020
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Being involved in the Asian American community and A3C provided me with the resources, mentorship, and community that allowed me to grow as a student and person.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you so much to my mentors and community!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Medical school
In what city are you currently residing in?
Stanford, CA
Christina Ding (she/her/hers) - Class of 2021
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Made good friends
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you for all your support!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Coterm in CS now, moving to NYC after spring!
In what city are you currently residing in?
Stanford, CA
Kyle Dixon (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Economics
Hometown: Menlo Park, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Great to have such a supportive community throughout my Stanford experience, where I felt safe to explore my heritage.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thanks for the support!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Consulting at Bain & Company
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Francisco, CA
Leila Doty (she/her/hers) - Class of 2021
Major: Public Policy
Hometown: Roseville, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The Stanford Vietnamese Student Association gave me a warm, welcoming community to belong to as a frosh and became an anchor of my Stanford experience. Some of the most important people in my life I met through SVSA.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I would like to thank my precious family and friends who have provided me continuous support throughout my journey at Stanford and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I owe each and every one of my successes to the communities that have raised me and empowered me to pursue my dreams.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Work: Community Impact Fellow working for the City of San Jose on public policy for data equity and data privacy. Fun: Reading, running, hanging out with my cat, playing video games.
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Jose, CA
Catherine Gao (they/them/theirs) - Class of 2020
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: San Jose, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Both the center & community (student orgs, Okada) were special & important spaces of care & growth! They were really formative spaces that shaped my politics, my queerness, and my friendships / models of care
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I am so grateful for my friends & the mentors/people at Stanford that have shared the past few years with me!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Will be going to med school in a few months! Have been doing a lot of writing & exploring random coffee places / art spaces in SJ.
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Jose, CA
Lyndie Ho (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Biology
Hometown: Highland Village, TX
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
A3C provided my safe space and safe people for all four years of undergrad.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
My father once told me that once I graduated from Stanford I would stand on the shoulders of giants. Now, I see that I always stood on the shoulders of giants - from my family, my community, to my ancestors.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Medical student at UTSW. Doing my best to keep moving forward!
In what city are you currently residing in?
Dallas, TX
Xinlan Emily Hu (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Louisville, KY
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
I was a member of UCAA Core as a freshman. One of my favorite memories was attending an exhibition where I learned about the Chinese-American workers whose labor built Stanford. Chinese-Americans are a core part of Stanford --- and California --- history, and I felt that I was walking in their legacy.
Many of my close friends at Stanford are Asian-American, and I really loved that Stanford gave me the chance to fully explore and embrace my identity. Growing up in Southern Indiana and in Kentucky, there were very few Asians, and it definitely wasn't "cool" to be Chinese. For about 2 years in middle school, I would bring the same sandwich to school every day in order to avoid getting called out or made fun of for eating Asian food. Being at Stanford, where Asian culture --- and Asian food --- is so embraced, was initially a huge shock to me. But it allowed me to no longer feel shame for being who I was, and I was so proud of being part of the Asian-American community at Stanford.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
To my family, thank you for the sacrifices you made for me. You moved to a foreign country, left everything you knew --- all to give me a chance. You built a 1-student "Chinese school," so that I would never forget where I came from. You never deterred my dreams, never clipped my wings, and instead allowed me to fly to California. I love you, and I am eternally grateful.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I'm now a PhD student at Wharton in the Department of Operations, Information, and Decisions. When not doing research, I enjoy life as an East Coast foodie (and home chef), novice long-distance runner, board game enthusiast, occasional calligrapher, and student government leader.
In what city are you currently residing in?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Starr Jiang (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: San Jose, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
A3C was the home of so many AATP meetings and events during my time at Stanford. I've met so many wonderful folx through the community, and going there always felt like seeing my family.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders in my life, even when I didn't have the energy to show my gratitude. Everything I've accomplished in my professional and artistic life is through your love.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I am currently a product designer in the mental health space and theater practitioner at several theater companies in the Bay Area.
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Jose, CA
Eric Brandon Kam (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Midland, TX
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The AAPI community and the A3C connected me with other Cambodian-American people, a first for me. Through SKA (now CamSA), I was able to learn from my peers and gain lifelong friends!
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I love you all very much, and thank you all for supporting me!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Spending time with family, traveling with friends, finishing my CS coterm, and starting a new job this autumn!
In what city are you currently residing in?
Atherton, CA
Nicholas Lai (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Saratoga, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
A HUGE part!!! I found my home among fellow Asian American students, most notably in Stanford Dragonboat. I can't count enough the number of times I stopped by A3C for free food or just to listen to whatever interesting event was going on. The transition from high school to college was really hard, and I'm glad that the A3C was there to help ease the transition for so many years. I sorely miss it.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you for being with me all these years, through the ups and downs. Your support means more to me than you know.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I am an aspiring actor/composer/writer in New York City currently doing programming as a day job to support my creative interests! I'll be headed off to a couple composing fellowships soon, and hope to one day get cast in a movie (which would be unbelievable and a huuuuuge step in the right direction!)
In what city are you currently residing in?
New York City, New York
Soly Lee (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: Fresno, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The Asian American Activities Center was a space where I was able to learn and grow without fear of judgement. It gave me the opportunity to explore my identity within higher education and motivated me to strive for success. I found a community I was able to call home that supported me throughout my time at Stanford. Becoming involved with the AAPI community, I was able to connect with life-long mentors, establish deep friendships, and work alongside passionate individuals addressing issues within the AAPI community.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
To my mentors, thank you for your never-ending support. To my friends, thank you for being my home away from home, for never failing to inspire me, and for helping me to thrive at this institution. To my family, thank you for the love, encouragement, and strong foundation that have allowed me to become the person I am today. To my parents, thank you for showing me what it means to never give up.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Eating, drinking beverages, and volunteering
In what city are you currently residing in?
Palo Alto, CA
Christina Li (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Computer science
Hometown: Macomb, MI
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Would go to Chinese New Year events and other AAPI events that made campus feel a little more like home, hung out at the clubhouse.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thanks for all the support, wouldn’t be here without the homies :)
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Working as a Starship software and operations engineer for SpaceX, outside of work I like climbing and hiking
In what city are you currently residing in?
Brownsville, TX
Christina Li (she/her/hers - Class of 2021
Major: Economics
Hometown: San Diego, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
I owe everything to the AAPI community! I felt very supported during my time on campus and appreciate the opportunities it provides us.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I'm so full of gratitude and owe it all to my family and friends.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Will be pursuing a job in New York and writing on the side!
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Diego, CA
Lily Li (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: International Relations and Psychology
Hometown: Rockford, IL
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The A3C was always the go to place for me to relax and meet other people passionate about Asian American issues. I made so many friends through the A3C and so many fun memories were created here! From student org social nights, to AANSOC Coordinator interviews, to A3C talks and leadership workshops. I love the A3C so so so much and it will always be a memorable, warm place in my heart!
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you all for your support! I could not have survived Stanford without you all. You made my time in college some of the best years in my life and I have learned so much from each and every one of you. Peace and love!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
"I'm currently work as a Resident Services Coordinator at Tenderloin Family Housing (located in the Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco). I advocate for various issues for my residents, such as food security, tutoring opportunities, and senior wellness.
For hobbies, I'm currently trying to visit all the public libraries in San Francisco (without a car). Wish me luck!"
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Francisco, CA
Samantha Loui (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Engineering Physics
Hometown: La Canada, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
I found a space to reflect on representation and advocacy for AAPI in theater and the performing arts world. Prior to Stanford, I did not recognize how intersectionality and mobilization are key to AAPI progress.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you for supporting me as I continue to learn and grow. It is an honor to be so loved.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I work with startups and in venture capital, currently at an accelerator. Outside of work, I perform with Ancestral Vision Movement, a Filipino dance company in Los Angeles, am passionate about growing and cooking food, and aim to see many theater shows.
In what city are you currently residing in?
Los Angeles, CA
Gillyn Maung (she/her/hers or they/them/theirs) - Class of 2020
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: Seaside, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Both the A3C and the community grounded me in chaos, love and support throughout my undergraduate experience. When everything in the world would be falling apart, myself included, it was the A3C and these communities that helped me through and were able to get me to smile or laugh amongst everything. They were the air under my wings that kept me afloat and provided me with enough courage and strength to learn more about myself, my culture/histories, reframe my understandings of the institutions I interact with to think critically and advocate for myself and my communities. These spaces were integral parts of my undergraduate experience. I can't imagine how my undergrad would've been if I hadn't been in these spaces, nor can I imagine who I would be today or what I would be doing if it weren't for them.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
To my family: Thank you for creating the foundations of who I am and challenging me to figure out ways of balancing family love, self love, and my battle against intergenerational trauma.
To my friends/supporters: Thank you for giving me the courage and the love to sustain me, to help me develop my foundations even further and to help me learn to love myself. Thank you for giving me the space to be part of your journeys as well.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Currently working as the temporary Program Associate for the A3C (full-circle!) and looking to gain more experience working in student affairs before I apply for my Masters (still undecided but leaning towards Masters in Social Work). In my free time, I can be found watching kdramas/animes/shows/tiktok, playing Fortnite with my friends, and attempting to start/continue other activities (ie. reading the books that I've accumulated over the years, pyrography, embroidery, continuing to paint, etc).
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Mateo, CA
Annie Ng (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Art Practice & Psychology
Hometown: Hong Kong
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
As an international student, the AAPI community made me feel more at home during my time at Stanford.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you to my incredible friends for cheering for me in everything I do and accepting me exactly as I am!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I'm now working as a Graphic Designer at Paramount Global, creating key art, logos, and other advertising materials for Comedy Central, Paramount Network, MTV, and Smithsonian Channel.
In what city are you currently residing in?
New York City, New York
My Nguyen (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Human Biology, Concentration: Biosocial Determinants of Global Child Health
Hometown: Memphis, TN
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The Stanford AAPI community was my second home away from home that nurtured me as a lost and overwhelmed freshman. Staffing at the A3C for all 4 years fostered my growth both professionally and personally, and joining student organizations like SVSA and MLH were the best decisions I ever made during college. It gave me the opportunity to explore the intersectionality of my identity as a first-generation, low-income Vietnamese woman born and raised in the South. I am endlessly grateful for mentors like Cindy, Jerald, and Latana for impacting my life during and beyond Stanford.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
This degree is just as much as mine as it belongs to my loved ones. I would not be here today without the endless support from my grandparents and my mom who sacrificed so much as Vietnamese refugees. I also am beyond thankful for the mentors and friends I have gained along the way who never stopped believing in me and bolstering me up to be confident in my identity. It really takes a village of love, and I hope this makes them proud.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I recently graduated with my Master in Public Health (MPH) degree in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences (BSHES), and I will be working as a CDC Evaluation Fellow starting in the fall.
In what city are you currently residing in?
Atlanta, GA
Vincent Jan Nicandro (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The A3C felt like a second home on campus, whether I was attending PASU Core meetings on Sunday or listening in on workshops dedicated to AAPI voices. It was the only space where I felt like I didn't feel out of place because of my identity, and the people I met here gave me the courage to proudly own my heritage and share it with others.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
To Mama, Papa, and Mia - Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal at pagsuporta sa akin!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I'm currently a Product Manager at Disney Streaming, keeping myself busy by involving myself in alumni organizations near me and finding new coffee spots to work at.
In what city are you currently residing in?
Los Angeles, CA
Ysabel Ojoylan (she/her) - Class of 2020
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Bacolod City, Philippines
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Jerald let me cry in his office
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I love y’all thanks for keeping me afloat
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Learning how to do be a good dog mom in Chicago
In what city are you currently residing in?
Chicago, IL
Huanvy Phan (they/them/theirs or he/him/his) - Class of 2021
Major: Asian American Studies
Hometown: Queen Creek, AZ
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
It was everything to me — my family, my community, and my comrades.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
To Ba, Me, and Huyvan -- thank you for being there since day 1 (literally) and for supporting me through my best and my worst. To my communities and comrades in Okada and Lavender Phoenix -- thank you for being my found family, for asking the hard-hitting questions, and always reminding me to work from my values. To my friends -- past, present, and future -- thank you for loving me and allowing me to love you.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
These days, I spend a lot of time hanging out with my cat, watching anime, bouldering, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and enjoying the Arizona sun. I currently work at a special ed school where I provide therapeutic and educational support for a classroom of amazing kids. In the near future, I hope to acquire my Masters in Education and teach middle/high school English.
In what city are you currently residing in?
Tempe, AZ
Josiah Josef Keoni Quon Rodriguez (he/him/his or they/them/theirs) - Class of 2021
Major: History
Hometown: San Diego, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
My friends and comrades here have given me radical hope that we can come together to change the future of our communities for the better, no matter the circumstances.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I owe everything to my mom and dad, John and Laryna Rodriguez as well as my siblings Nohea, Kaleo, and Nani. I would also like to thank my grandparents for their guidance throughout my life - they have taught me the indelible value that education possesses. I would also like to recognize my friends of 18 years from Good Shepherd Catholic for their continuous support.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I am continuing my Stanford education as a coterminal student in Earth Systems.
In what city are you currently residing in?
Stanford, CA
Therese Santiago (she/her/hers) - Class of 2021
Major: English and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity (CSRE)
Hometown: Fresno, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The AAPI community and A3C were the first places I felt at home at Stanford <3
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Maraming salamat!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I am finishing my MA in Sociology, and in my spare time I've been reading, writing, and taking photos of people I love!
In what city are you currently residing in?
Stanford, CA
Samir Sen (he/him/his) - Class of 2021
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Vancouver, WA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Member. Attended community events and made many friends
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Many thanks for continued support through tough moments in my life
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Starting a company, attending YC this summer!
In what city are you currently residing in?
Seattle, WA
Jessica Seng (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Science, Technology, and Society
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
A3c provided me with the resources and support to explore my heritage in a safe space. Connecting with other Cambos on campus had a profound impact as I saw the way we made space for ourselves at a PWI. More importantly, I learned about the diversity and beautiful of the diaspora.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
To my friends and family, I wouldn't be here without you. I love you.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Writer and Producer
In what city are you currently residing in?
Split between Tucson and NYC
Kimberly Te (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Mathematical and Computational Science
Hometown: Manhasset, New York
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
AAPI helped provide community and build relationships through events and programming (as well as great food)!
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you to my family, friends, teachers, mentors, and classmates for the wonderful memories! Very grateful and full of love!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Management Consultant, McKinsey & Company; Pursuing interests in Web3/blockchain, entrepreneurship, visual art, and food/baking
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Francisco, CA
Vinh Ton (he/him/his and any pronouns) - Class of 2020
Major: Symbolic Systems
Hometown: Charleston, SC
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Community early on with other Vietnamese Americans
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you thay dzuong for being such a great teacher my frosh year
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
Software Engineering
In what city are you currently residing in?
Bay Area, CA
Ellen Wang (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
Being an officer for Taiwanese Cultural Society during my undergrad was a really memorable experience for me because I got to connect with other students over shared traditions and of course food! Additionally, I look back fondly on the times I stopped by between classes for lunch and to attend the A3C speaker series. The A3C couchroom was like my new living room away from home.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I'm incredibly grateful for to my friends and family for supporting me throughout the highs and lows of college. When I was lucky to have great successes, they kept me grounded. And when I stumbled big and struggled to hang on, they continued to believe in me and reminded me to not lose sight of who I was. Through thick and thin, my friends and family have shown me that college, and life, cannot be done alone. I owe every one of my triumphs to them.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
I'm currently working as a software engineer, and have been enjoying getting to know the Austin area. I love trying recipes from Woks of Life, serving at my local church, learning guitar, and gardening!
In what city are you currently residing in?
Austin, TX
Chuyi Yang (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Inver Grove Heights, MN
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The AAPI community at Stanford is special. Its vibrant and diverse community illustrates just how important diversity, equity and inclusion work is in education and how impactful it is for all students. What drew me most to Stanford was not its academics or reputation but how homely and supportive the AAPI community felt when I attended the Asian American Community Welcome during my Admit Weekend. I felt a strong sense of cohesion and love. I saw that someone like me could attend and be successful at an institution like Stanford. Without the AAPI community and the Asian American Activities Center, I would not be who I am today.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
First, I would like to thank my family for your unwavering love and support. Despite being thousands of miles away, you never stopped being there for me. Our weekly calls kept me grounded and inspired me to keep trudging along through the highs and lows of life. Second, thank you to my friends who were my family away from family. I strive to be there for those who need it the most just like how you were for me. Lastly, I want to thank Cindy, Jerald, Latana and all of my fellow student staff at the Asian American Activities Center for your everlasting support of the AAPI community and students like me. Your work and dedication gives me tremendous hope that a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society is just on the horizon. I can only dream of fighting the good fight for as long and as furiously as you all have. Thank you for being the pillars that hold up our community.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
After two wonderful years of working as a teacher at Stanford's Bing Nursery School, I will be starting my doctoral studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara this fall.
In what city are you currently residing in?
Palo Alto, CA
Tenzin Yeshi Wangdak Yuthok (she/her/hers) - Class of 2020
Major: Human Biology & Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity
Hometown: Chicago, IL
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
At Stanford, the A3C and broader community allowed me to delve deeper into my Asian American identity and contextualized what it means to be Tibetan American. I am wholeheartedly grateful to the staff (especially, Cindy, Jerald, and Latana!) and community members who empowered me to grow and better understand what meaningful solidarity and community care actually looks like for us.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
I am truly blessed and forever thankful for my family, friends, and community for their support during my journey. From back home, I would like to especially thank Kim and Kath for always grounding me, from laughing to crying, and even the times where I feel like doing both. I would like to give an extra special thank you to my parents, Babita Thapa and Lobsang Wangdak, for their unconditional love, encouragement, and inspiration all this time. Without their love, I wouldn't be where I am today.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
After completing my Master's in Community Health and Prevention Research at Stanford, I currently work for the Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education. As for hobbies outside of work, I am lucky enough to spend time with my family and friends back home in Chicago, while also connecting with long-distance Stanford friends (much love to Vincent and Emily who are also 2020 Asian American grads!) by constantly spamming our group chat and adding the sparkle emoji to everything ✨
In what city are you currently residing in?
Chicagoland Area
Caroline Zhang (she/her/hers) - Class of 2021
Major: Economics, Computer Science
Hometown: San Diego, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
The AAPI community was one of the first groups that proactively welcomed me on campus and immediately embraced me into their vibrant warmth with the Asian American Sib program. Throughout the rest of my undergraduate experience, I have always found the center to be a comforting space and a great place to stay in touch with my culture as well as meet many wonderful people.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thank you to my family, friends, teachers, mentors, and support of countless individuals in my community to provide me with the opportunity to chase my dreams at Stanford and beyond. It's been an incredible four years of learning, overcoming challenges, and growth in planned and unexpected ways. I am so grateful for the chance to experience it all and can't wait to give back to those who shaped my journey and pay it forward for others.
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
As of now, I am enrolled in Peking University on the Yenching Academy scholarship, pursuing a master's in Economics and Management. The program aims to build bridges between China and the rest of the world, and I hope to specifically apply my knowledge and learnings toward improving U.S.-China relations. At the same time, I'm also pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams, currently launching a startup with a Stanford friend in Y Combinator.
In what city are you currently residing in?
San Francisco, CA
Hugh Zhang (he/him/his) - Class of 2020
Major: Economics
Hometown: San Jose, CA
What role did the AAPI community and/or the Asian American Activities Center play in your undergraduate experience?
It was a great home for the Asian community at Stanford.
Is there anything you would like to say to your family, friends and/or supporters?
Thanks for your support and a great four years!
What are you currently doing for work/school/life/hobbies?
PhD Student at Harvard University in Computer Science
In what city are you currently residing in?
Boston, MA