By: Abbey Raynes
May has reared its head around which means it’s also APIDA [Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage] month! Celebrating the experiences of our APIDA community here at Western, I spoke with one of the many Ethnic Student Center clubs on campus, the Pacific Islander Student Association, to discuss their own stories. Highlighting these individuals through a ‘Humans of New York’ lens, listen in and learn about what makes them, them.
Brandon Roman – Copresident
Brandon Roman candidly smiling off the camera. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
“The Maui wildfires. Lahaina. There’s still a lot to be done and so far the state of Hawaii and the federal government has been ignoring the people that have been affected by it especially the Hawaiian people. What? They only gave them $600 per member of household and that was at the very beginning and still nothing’s been done.”
“Overall too, just global warming issues. Definitely sea levels rising, that’s the big issue that really faces a lot of Pacific Islanders. Many Pacific Island nations will be underwater if sea levels keep rising.”
“There’s not a lot of respect given to Pacific Islander nations and not a lot of time.”
Danielle Manahan – Copresident
Danielle Manahan smiling to the camera. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
“Probably my mom. She is a big influence on my life and she teaches me a lot of values that I carry on with my life, and I feel that just impacts the way that I live.”
Emma Fong – PR & Events Coordinator
Emma Fong smiling to the camera. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
“Spending time with my family as much as I can. Surrounding myself with love. Spending time with friends as well; it’s just having fun with them.”
Kylee-Lei Bednar
Kylee-Lei Bednar smiling to the camera. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
“Usually I do come home, and I make sure everything is done for the day. In addition to preparing for the next day, and after that, I make my dinner, and I like to read a book. And if my friends are up for it, we usually go for a drive and a sunset watch.”
Mer Pascual – Vice President
Mer Pascual smiling to the camera. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
“I find that on this healing journey it’s really awesome to be in spaces that people can resonate to, or I can resonate to, and just kind of have a better idea about myself and the people I can build community with.”
Austin Onnsy – Historian
Austin Onnsy smiling to the camera. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
“I have made a lot of connections and bonds with people. And the fact that I am living and still living to see them and get to know them. Make friendships with others. That’s what allows me to keep on going.”
Meilani Wilson – PISA Advisor
Meilani Wilson smiling to the camera. Abbey Raynes // Wavelength
“I go to events that the ESC puts on from all the clubs. I go to their events to be more informed myself and just celebrate my own culture, and just feel good for this month.”
“Climate Change. I think a lot of people don’t realize how much it affects Pacific Islanders. I think as well tourism too. That’s a big issue and that’s always around. Especially when people travel to Hawaii. It’s a really bad thing. You can travel to Hawaii but be more conscience about it and be more respectful. And I don’t think people do that always so just taking that more into account.”