Student Highlights

Pandora Outhone (Class of 2023) - Asian Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior

I am a recent graduate who double majored in Asian Studies as well as graphic design. A lot of my personal projects revolve around my own heritage and things that I have learned throughout my studies. I draw a lot of my inspiration from the world around me and strive to promote positivity as well as cultural diversity through my work.

I chose Asian Studies as a major because of my interests in other cultures as well as interest in my own ethnic background.

One of my favorite moments during my journey as an Asian Studies major was the study abroad program that I took part in. I studied abroad for a semester in Wonju, South Korea at Yonsei University and was part of their Language and Culture Ambassadors program. I thought it was really intriguing to take Asian studies courses from the perspective of one of the many Asian countries we learn about. 

Another thing that I enjoyed most about the major was how interlocked the courses were. For example, when learning about a country or events within a country, we are able to make many connections from other courses previously taken and build off of that knowledge, allowing us to have deeper insights into the subject.

After graduation I plan to either attend graduate school in South Korea as an international cooperation major or apply to the Foreign Services in the consulate-track, once applications open.

 

Emily Diễm Trần (Class of 2023)

I am a queer, second-generation Vietnamese American and the eldest of three children. I received a bachelor’s degree in gerontology with a minor in Asian Studies. I am passionate about improving aging services, with a nursing license and residential care facility for the elderly administrative certification. 

I serve on several advisory and leadership boards for both the county and city levels. 

My core values of intentionality, mindfulness, and inclusion are my driving force in promoting healthcare justice and creating a more equitable and fair healthcare system for older adults. My Vietnamese American heritage influences my perspective on equity, community building, and civic duty issues.

For me, pursuing a minor in Asian Studies was a deliberate step towards reclaiming my cultural roots and fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse and multifaceted traditions of the East. Growing up as the child of Vietnamese refugees, I spent much of my formative years assimilating to Western culture while neglecting the rich and intricate tapestry of my own heritage. It wasn't until I embarked on my academic journey at SDSU that I began to consciously seek out a better understanding of the multifaceted nuances of Asian cultures, including their histories, languages, religions, politics, economies, and ideologies.

Through my studies, I've gained a renewed sense of pride in my cultural identity and a newfound respect for the beauty and complexity of the Eastern world. This journey has been transformative for me in ways that I never could have anticipated, and I look forward to continuing to explore and embrace the diverse richness of Asian cultures in the years to come.

As a student at SDSU, I had the privilege of exploring the fascinating world of Korean culture, heritage, and the pro-democracy movement. What particularly intrigued me was the opportunity to view these topics from a non-patriarchal perspective, which enabled me to develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of their historical and social contexts. I owe much of this insight to my favorite lecturer, Dr. Hye-Kyoung Kwon, who consistently encouraged me to examine historical narratives with a critical eye and inspired me to think beyond the traditional bounds of academia. Moreover, I found that watching K-Dramas with historical background context allowed me to appreciate the artistry of Korean media and better understand its cultural significance. Through these experiences, I gained valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of Korean culture and history, and I look forward to continuing to explore this fascinating area of study in the future.

After graduation, I'm kicking off my post-college journey with an exciting adventure to Japan for two whole weeks! As a first-time international traveler, I can't wait to soak up the sights, sounds, and tastes of a new culture. When I return from Japan, I plan to dive into the next chapter of my academic career, with a particular focus on public health. Whether I decide to pursue a master's degree or a Ph.D., I'm committed to exploring my options and discovering the best path forward. With each new challenge, I'm ready to embrace the unknown and expand my horizons in ways I never thought possible.

Here are other works that I've been a part of that intersects with my cultural identity as an Asian American:

1. This was a campaign that I was blessed to be a part of: Watch "We Belong in Calfornia, Emily's Story"
2. An event that I coordinated: Read The San Diego Union Tribune - Highlight on "Sharing Our Roots"