Officers @ 2012 Asian American High School Conference
EMILIO MANUEL CAMU President
Ethnicity: Pilipino (Tagalog/Bikol) Major: Mass Communication Favorite Food: Pansit Malabon, Dinuguan, Balut, Kare-Kare Why AASA?: AASA's a good network to make friends if you aren't part of the larger Asian communities. Everyone's friendly, welcoming, supportive, and fun! I've met a lot of close friends through it--overall, it's the most memorable thing of my college career ^~^ What's your favorite Asian movie?: Tanging Yaman, Kung Fu Hustle Favorite Study Spot: I was lost in the LNCO building and ended up finding a spot in the hallway for half an hour. I've been wanting to go back ever since to study! Personal Motto: "Om nom nom, my stomach is a bottomless pit."
JENN NHAN Secretary
Ethnicity: Vietnamese/Chinese Major: Biology Favorite Food: What my mommy cooks, especially canh chua and ca kho to. Why AASA?: AASA has been a really great organization to become a part of. I have met a lot of fun and exciting new friends that I know I will definitely be friends for a long time! I grew up in a community with very little diversity in any aspects, so to become part of AASA and being able to embrace my ethnicity as well as learn more about the different Asian cultures has been awesome! What's your favorite Asian movie?: Kung Fu Hustle, Ip Man, and House of Flying Daggers Favorite Study Spot: At a dinner table with food to feast on! Personal Motto: "Go to heaven for the climate and hell for the company." -Mark Twain
JENNIFER LE Activities Chair
Ethnicity: Vietnamese/Chinese Major: Accounting Favorite Food?: I love food, but I would have to say sushi, pasta, seafood, and salads. Why AASA?: I was AASA President from '10-'11 and I love everything about the student organization. AASA provides the opportunity for students to get AND be involved on campus as well as the chance to meet individuals from different walks of life. As a member, you can help give back to the community; earn volunteering hours; gain a better understanding in Asian American issues; expand your network; and of course have tons of fun! There are also perks to being an ACTIVE member. =) What's your favorite Asian movie?: I enjoy watching Korean dramas, but otherwise I'd say anything scary. Favorite Study Spot?: CRCC in the business area or my house. Personal Motto: "It takes dedication, hard work, and passion into what you do."
KIM HOANG Conference Chair
Ethnicity: Vietnamese Major: Health Promotion and Education/Pre-Nursing Favorite Food?: I'm not picky at all, but for right now I can think of is sushi. Why AASA?: I really don't know about AASA much and I didn't know we have one either. I started to join AASA, because one of my friends want me to. From the day I started to become a members till now being an officer in high school conference, I feel like AASA are the best. You can make new friends, expand networks, get involved in campus activities, etc... What's your favorite Asian movie?: Korean dramas and Hong Kong movies. Favorite Study Spot?: I like to study downstairs in the Union or in the library in one of the booths Personal Motto: "Life is a gift, never take it for granted." -Heather Williams
BRIAN TRUONG Service Chair
Ethnicity: Vietnamese Major: Favorite Food: Why AASA? What's your favorite Asian movie?: Favorite Study Spot: Personal Motto:
TRANG DANG Vice President: External
Ethnicity: Vietnamese/Chinese/Cambodian Major: Business, Marketing Administration Favorite Food: Curry, Korean BBQ, Pho Why AASA?: AASA gives me a chance to explore and develop the Asian community on campus. It encourages me to take pride in my ethnicity and connect to others of similar backgrounds and interest. I think AASA is a great place to build friendship, to expand networks, and to develop leadership qualities. It can also be used base to reach out to other individuals on campus as well as our local communities. What's your favorite Asian movie?: So Close, Secret Garden Favorite Study Spot: --- Personal Motto: ---
DAO TRAN Secretary
Ethnicity: Vietnamese Major: Favorite Food: Why AASA? What's your favorite Asian movie?: Favorite Study Spot: Personal Motto:
ANNA NGUYEN Treasurer
Ethnicity: Vietnamese Major: Biology/Pre-Med Favorite Food: Basically anything what my mom cooks. ha Why AASA?: AASA is just a good way to get involved doing stuff with the campus & communities and gaining new experiences by like meeting new people, attending the socials, and etc. What's your favorite Asian movie?: Owl and the Sparrow, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Ip Man&2, Fearless, Karate Kid, and so many. It is just too hard to just pick one! ha Favorite Study Spot: Mostly in the union or library. Personal Motto: "Don't stop trying!"
VIVIAN YU Activities Chair
Ethnicity: Chinese Major: Favorite Food: Why AASA? What's your favorite Asian movie?: Favorite Study Spot: Personal Motto:
HAROLD TRUONG Conference Chair
Ethnicity: Vietnamese Major: Biomedical Engineering Favorite Food: Sushi, seafood, fruits, and Korean BBQ but I’m not too picky when it comes to eating so anything will do. Why AASA?: The first year at a new school, especially college, is always a scary thought. I for sure was a nervous wreck for my first few weeks of school but AASA, being the great organization that it is, provided me with a warm, welcoming environment to help with the transitions into college. AASA isn’t just a place to socialize with other students of similar backgrounds/ethnicities and make friends but it also provides me with many opportunities to get involved with other ethnic organizations on campus and give back to the community. I suggest joining AASA even if you’re not Asian because it’s tons of fun and it’s definitely an organization that you won’t regret being a part of! What's your favorite Asian movie?: Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer and Anime of course. Favorite Study Spot: Usually my bedroom but occasionally the computer lab in the Union or the library. Personal Motto: “No pain, no gain”
DIANA PHUNG Social Justice Chair
Ethnicity: Vietnamese/ Chinese Major: Health Promotion and Education/ Pre-Med Favorite Food: I love boba. Haha. Why AASA?: AASA is just too cool. Well, actually it’s a good way to make new friends and to get involved in campus activities. What's your favorite Asian movie?: I like the Rush Hour movies..if that counts. Oh, and don’t forget Kung Fu Hustle. It’s epic. Favorite Study Spot: In the Annex or my room! Personal Motto: Do what you like to do best.
PATOM LERSLERPHANT Vice President: Internal
Ethnicity: Thai/Chinese Major: Health Promotion and Education/Pre-dental Favorite Food: I love spicy food, especially spicy seafood and noodles! Why
AASA?: I feel comfortable in AASA, and it’s a place where I think I can
involve and contribute towards the changes that I want to see happens. What's your favorite Asian movie?: “5 centimeters per second” “Ong Bak” “Shaolin Soccer” just to names a few. Favorite Study Spot: I prefer to study at home or somewhere that I can see trees and sky. Personal
Motto: “If you feel tired then rest, after you are not tired anymore
then stand up and continue to fight.” “Only dead leaf go with the flow
of water, if you are alive then walk against it”.
ALINA TRANG Historian
Ethnicity: Vietnamese/Chinese Major: Computer Science Favorite Food: Actually, if I don't like something, you know that your cooking/baking is really, really, really BAD. In other words: I like pretty much everything. Why AASA?: Asians in college = supah coo', foo! ||A more serious answer: AASA allows not only Asians all over campus to become part of an active hub, but it also allows for students of other ethnicities to gain a new perspective and learn about the Far Eastern side of the world. In addition to that, AASA has great members that make you actually want to continue being a part of the club and helping out not only on campus, but within various Asian communities off campus as well. What's your favorite Asian movie?: Ip Man and/or Flirting Scholar 2. Favorite Study Spot: Wherever I don't fall asleep in public. And if I happen to study in bed, preferably alone, please. Personal Motto: "Everyone knows there are no women on the internet. All the ones over 18 are fat, old middle-aged men, and all the ones under 18 are undercover FBI agents." And that, folks, is why you don't give out too much info online.
CURTIS LEE Conference Chair
Ethnicity: Korean Major: Undecided Favorite Food?: Pretty much everything ha. Why AASA?: I like being able to network and meet a lot of new people. It's a great atmosphere and gives a lot of opportunities to try new things and go out into the community What's your favorite Asian movie?: Ip Man 1-2, The Man From Nowhere, Legend of Chen Zhen. Favorite Study Spot?: The library or the Union. Personal Motto: "Life is a journey so might as well enjoy the ride."
SUDHA SHRESTHA Conference Chair
Ethnicity: Nepali (1st ever in AASA :D) Major: Mass Communication and Sociology Favorite Food: Noodles, Dumplings, all Nepali and Indian food :D Why AASA?: AASA is a fabulous resource for all Asian American students in University of Utah. I am super glad to be a part of it and I hope we get more of us to join. :D What's your favorite Asian movie?: Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle, Kung Fu Dunk, and almost all Bollywood movies :) Favorite Study Spot: I'd say the Union or the Library. Personal Motto: Everyone has their own opinion. R-E-S-P-E-C-T that. :)
TRICIA SUGIYAMA Adviser
I am a fourth generation Utahn. Prior to working at the University of Utah I spent five years at the State Office of Asian Affairs and then started my own business. Several years ago I had the opportunity to meet Representative Robert Matsui. Representative Matsui stated that one of the major challenges facing Asian Americans today is Apathy. This comment influences many of my life choices and is the reason why I jumped at the chance to work at the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs. I truly believe that we have in our power the ability to lend aid to each other as we journey through life. Although it may seem innocent enough when we choose to say “it doesn’t affect me” or turn our backs on the “others” in our lives, these choice are not without consequences. Like the ripples from a stone thrown in a pond, issues of intolerance, discrimination, privilege, stereotypes, etc. always reach our shores. It is with this in mind that along with academic advising I focus on encouraging students to make a difference by getting involved and becoming leaders and mentors. I am excited to be a part of a space that continues to empower those who enter and strives to defy invisibility, inequities and apathy.
Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo. ~ Roo, Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne
Contact Information: Address: 200 South Central Campus Drive, Suite 235 (Olpin Student Union), SLC, UT 84112 Phone: 801-587-9568 Email: t.sugiyama@utah.edu
