Amid the diverse population of California’s university campuses, Fresno State stands out as a microcosm of the state’s vibrant Southeast Asian communities. While California in general is home to one of the largest Asian American populations in the United States, the demographic distribution varies significantly by region. Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley have a smaller proportion of Asian Americans relative to these coastal cities, particularly Southeast Asian populations.
However, Fresno State has become a central hub for Southeast Asian students, particularly Hmong, Lao, and Filipino Americans. Many of these students are second- or third-generation immigrants who grew up in the Central Valley, with deep family ties to the area. The decision to attend Fresno State for many Southeast Asian students is often based on proximity to family, financial considerations, and community support structures.
Here, cultural student organizations like the Hmong Student Association (HmSA), Magkaisa Filipino Student Association (MGK), and Lao Student Association (LSA) play a vital role in supporting and empowering underrepresented students.
Though these groups face unique challenges stemming from their members’ diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are leveraging the power of community to drive academic achievement, cultivate identity, and enrich the broader campus experience. By concentrating on Fresno State’s thriving Southeast Asian cultural clubs, I talked to some of the leaders of HmSA, MGK, and LSA about how these student organizations are redefining the narrative around Southeast Asian students in higher education.
For many students, the transition to college can be daunting. Leaving behind the familiarity of home and community, they often find themselves navigating a new and unfamiliar environment. However, the Southeast Asian student-run organizations at Fresno State offer a vital lifeline, creating a “home away from home” on campus.
According to a…
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