Event: Asian American/ Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Chapel Speech)

Lauren Smith-Kiewel gave a moving speech about her own coming to grips with her heritage. It was interesting to hear the viewpoint of a student who went through years without identifying herself as "Asian". I believe that as teachers we must celebrate diversity and help students see that they do not have to all be the same. Through the celebration of differences, then students who may be just as Lauren was, will not feel as isolated or alone.

A portion of Lauren's speech dealt with her choir going on tour to Norway and Sweden. There in Norway, they sang at a church run by Koreans. She stated her disbelief at the church pastor pointing her out as an "honor". She saw this instead as something far different. Lauren stated that it was then that she realized she was on the line between races and cultures. While she looked Asian, she could not identify with them, and although she was from the United States, she could still never quite feel like she was a true American. I believe that many students of race feel that they have to fit into the school system which in general, has Caucasian instructors and principals. These students themselves may also feel like they are on a line. They must be one way at home and another at school. As instructors we must be empathetic to these students and help them find their own identities.