During Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, Gabrielino students are reflecting on how their cultural backgrounds shape their identities, traditions and sense of belonging on campus. Students from various Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds shared how family customs, language and community have influenced their everyday lives and perspectives.
For many students, culture is most visible through traditions practiced at home. Senior Persephane Hoang, who comes from a Vietnamese background, said family gatherings and celebrations help her stay connected to her heritage.
“I feel especially proud of my culture when there are family gatherings going on at home because even though some people cannot make it, it brings most of us together,” Hoang said.
Other students described culture as something that shapes the way they see themselves at school. Junior Xander Eslava said growing up in a multicultural community helped him become more open-minded while also encouraging him to appreciate his own background.
“In the Philippines, they do things a little differently, and it could be seen as weird to others, but I think it makes me more open-minded for when I am here in the United States,” Eslava said.
Several students also shared that balancing different identities can sometimes be difficult. Sophomore Liam Camerena, who comes from a Chinese and Mexican background, explained that he occasionally feels caught between expectations at home and at school.
“Sometimes it feels like I have two different versions of myself,” Camerena said. “Honestly, most of the time, I feel like I am more accepted into one culture than the other.”
At Gabrielino, students said AANHPI Heritage Month gives them an opportunity to feel recognized and represented on campus. Members of cultural clubs and organizations help celebrate different traditions while educating students about Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Filipino Cultural Club President Zaleen Oliver said the month is important because it allows students to share their experiences with others.
“Doing little activities during AANHPI Heritage Month helps people embrace not only Filipino culture but other Asian cultures as well,” Oliver said.
Students agreed that cultural identity is not always defined by one tradition or experience. Instead, many said it is shaped by family, community and personal growth. Through conversations and celebrations during AANHPI Heritage Month, Gabrielino students continue to share the traditions and experiences that make up their identities while strengthening the sense of belonging on campus.
