By: Camille Hu
May, a month where we celebrate AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) heritage, culture, and contributions. Before volunteering the AAPI event at Seneca Valley High School, I understood this celebration mostly in theory, as something recognized on calendars and in passing conversations. However, participating in the event allowed me to experience its meaning in a more personal and impactful way. What initially seemed like a simple opportunity to help quickly became a meaningful experience that allowed me to engage more directly with the community. Instead of viewing AAPI Heritage Month as just a symbolic recognition, I began to see it as an active and living expression of identity, history, and belonging. Being present in that space exposed me to the ways culture is not only remembered, but also shared, performed, and continuously shaped by those who carry it forward.
As we arrived at the location, people where already beginning to set up tables, from Chinese cultures to Cambodian cultures. The place was filled with laughter, vibrant colors, and the rich presence of diversity. Additionally, people were also wearing clothing that represent their culture, like hanfu and qipao, which are traditional Chinese garments. There was also traditional clothing from the Miao minority group, which I thought was really pretty and cool.
At our CYOC table, there were games like using chopsticks to pick up M&Ms and Skittles, calligraphy, and panda stickers and temporary tattoos. Those represented Chinese culture and introduced others to its traditions in a fun and interactive way. After setting up our table, performances started, filling the space with music, movement, and energy. Each performance reflected a different aspect of AAPI culture, allowing the audience to experience traditions in a dynamic and engaging way. Watching these performances, I realized how powerful cultural expression can be in bringing people together and creating a sense of connection.
During the performances, there were also people coming to our table to try calligraphy and tried to use chopsticks to get M&Ms. These small activities created moments of curiosity and laughter, making cultural learning both interactive and enjoyable. As people practiced writing characters or struggled to pick up candy with chopsticks, I could see how engagement replaced hesitation. It showed me that cultural understanding does not always come from formal learning, but often from simple, shared experiences that invite participation.
Overall, volunteering at the AAPI event was more than just helping at a table, it was an experience that deepened my understanding of culture, community, and representation. What I once saw as a simple celebration became something much more meaningful as I witnessed how people connected through shared activities, performances, and conversations. The event showed me that cultural appreciation is not only about observing traditions, but also about actively engaging with them in ways that are accessible and welcoming.
This experience also helped me reflect on the importance of creating spaces where diverse cultures are not only displayed, but genuinely experienced and appreciated. Through small interactions like calligraphy and chopstick games, I saw how learning can happen naturally through participation and curiosity. More importantly, I realized that events like these help build bridges between communities, allowing people to better understand and respect one another. In the end, this experience changed my perspective on AAPI Heritage Month. It is not just a time of recognition, but also an opportunity for connection, learning, and celebration of identity in all its diversity.
Website Editor: Grace Yan
华府青年 CYOC 
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