Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash

#AsianUH

Exploring Asian culture and its place in the University of Houston

by Imiyah Mann and Yesenia Soto

Over the years the Asian population has the most immediate exponential growth in Houston, according to an institute for urban research. Perhaps in subsequence to the increase, the University of Houston hosts an Asian American Studies Center.

The University of Houston’s Asian American Studies Center website says there has been a considerable amount of renovations on the hub. The establishment was found in 1995 and offers academic specialization along with opportunities to interact with the Asian/Asian American community in Houston.

Located in 450 Farish Hall or the College of Education, the center also allows moments abroad in Asia and educates people on the Asian experience around the world. This includes not only Asians, but Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In 2018, the center sponsored a group to take part in a forum at Beijing.

“That’s what we want to do — meet our students’ needs like language assistance and culture adaptation,” said Asian American Studies Center Director Yali Zou. “We want to do data evaluations to see who they are, what their needs are and help them achieve academically and professionally.”

Truly, the University of Houston’s Asian community lends a part in the enculturation, structure and legacy of the college. It comes through connections, friendships, internships, donations, scholarships, the list goes on.

Maybe the most obvious example of University of Houston contribution is South Asian president and chancellor Dr. Renu Khator:

“I have always viewed my Indian heritage as an advantage and have always used my values and lessons to form my leadership and management style. The biggest mistake people make is to either hide or deny their own heritage. People often label my leadership style as inclusive, people-oriented and consensus-building.”

The University of Houston’s Asian community is notorious for giving back to the Asian community in general. Alumna Holly Ham oversaw the White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders since 2017 as a director of the U.S. Department of Education. More than that, Ham discussed giving back to the University of Houston’s students.

The Asian community at the University of Houston is one amongst many that gives narrative. Newly dubbed #AsianUH marks their presence, which marks the University of Houston’s presence in turn.

Now, focusing a bit onto Asia, itself.

Asia has an incredible number of components, since it is the largest and most populated continent on Earth. The sights, landscapes, cultural architecture and wide variety of food are the best-known aspects.

Miles from Tokyo, Mount Fuji stands tall with over 200,000 fascinated people wanting to climb the volcanic structure. Pagodas, tower-like structures associated with East or Southeast Asia, remain fond to many and inspire builders alike. A Buddhist temple in the Chua Phat Quang section of South Houston features the contemporary construction:

The street and zip code are 701 Arizona, 77587, respectively.

From left to right: A close-up of a strawberry French cookie being held by an Asian-interest organization member is often sold in a Viet Hoa International grocery and used as an incentive to join and pay the association’s fees. A current UH Wushu member creates stylistic acts of martial arts around the Houston community. UH Anime No Kai President Amy Rivera shows official club shirt design of the semester. The group regularly fills room to watch Japanese bloggers and anime

From left to right: An UH student supports the Asian Business Student Association by eating food made by the org. ABSA made members made coconut pandan waffles, bubble tea and Asian-themed tacos. Wushu veteran Kara Nevle demonstrates a stretch while wearing a traditional dress called a qipao or cheongsam. Matt Duong of ABSA preps a tortilla and oversees the grilling to help raise money for the association.

However, food is most likely the easiest way to experience Asian culture. There are dishes like pho, spring rolls and vermicelli. Pho is a Vietnamese soup based in beef stock, star anise, cinnamon and charred ginger. Spring rolls are the vegetarian cousin to egg rolls. Asian vermicelli, not to be confused with Italian vermicelli, are extra thin noodles made with rice.

Speaking of, global research says rice happens to be a thoroughly important common denominator of Asian culture.

“In 2007, rice was grown on 156.9 million hectares worldwide of which Asia accounted for 89%. Asian farmers accounted for 91% of the world production of 651.7 million tons of rice paddy,” former Syndicate Bank CEO Arun Shrivastava said.

Nevertheless, Asian food is delicious to many consumers, but more importantly a sense of pride exists within each prepared dish. It comes from unique seasoning choices that tell the story of the individual Asian countries. Quite often the food’s colors, aroma and recipes transports people.

Asia is a lively place with exuberant cultures. Whether through eats, arts or religions one may get a taste of the Asian lifestyle.

An Asian person away from home or inducted into a new home brings a beautifying zest. Said zest has spread and been adopted throughout, for people tend to travel and take their culture with them.