Explore Asian Culture #1 - AAPI Month

On May 30th, 2025, Explore Asian Culture held its first event! We partnered with the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children to give a showcase about AAPI Month. Our presentation would be broadcasted live to every patient so that they could watch from their room and if they weren’t in a condition to visit us in person down at the studio. The members first met up at my house and I distributed EAC’s t-shirts to them. Then we all went to the hospital’s broadcasting room to set up for the showcase. After getting our microphones, we were all set to go live! 

Since it was May, we made a slideshow highlighting Asian American Pacific Islander month. We wanted to inform children about what AAPI Month is, and why it is so important. We noticed that most children in the pediatric hospital had long-term illnesses which impacted their ability to attend school and learn like other kids their age. So, EAC made it their mission to bring education to them. 

First, we began with defining what AAPI means. AAPI stands for Asian American Pacific Islander. May is the month to honor and appreciate the rich culture of all Asian countries and people. Then, we talked about some fun facts and classic traditions celebrated in Asia, such as Lunar New Year and Songkran. After that, we identified some influential Asian figures, like R. F. Kuang and Yo-Yo Ma. Last, but not least, we delved deeper into specific Asian countries by providing facts and information about them. After the presentation, we completed an origami activity with the kids. Prior to the showcase, EAC’s members made around 30 goodie bags that had colorful origami paper, instructions to make an origami heart and crane, and a QR Code to Explore Asian Culture’s website. We all had so much fun making origami hearts with all of the children, and the cranes were challenging but we were able to do it! 

After this first event, I am so excited to lead even more. I love the idea of bringing education to everyone, especially if it is hard for them to get. Spreading and raising awareness of Asian culture is also a goal that we were able to successfully complete. Even in school curriculums, Asian culture might not be a topic that is commonly covered. So, Explore Asian Culture will always strive and persevere to spread as much knowledge about Asian culture as they can and even beyond.