Read about all of our contestants and then casts your votes. Best of luck to everyone!
Cambodian
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Soukea Phork Year in school: Junior Major: Nursing Activities/Clubs: Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc., Vietnamese Student Association What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? Being a part of an Asian interest sorority, I have been able to spread Asian awareness throughout our community. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I am very passionate about my Cambodian culture as well as the Asian culture as a whole and I enjoy giving back to the community. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? I am proud of the respect and honor that Cambodians give to their elders as well as our cuisine of course. |
Chinese
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Phoebe Thai Year in school: Junior Major: Public Relations Activities/Clubs: Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc., Vietnamese Student Association, Fashion and Business Club What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? Through Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc., I have participated in various community services provided that were located in Chinatown and the surrounding area. Also, through my sorority, I helped raise awareness about our national philanthropy (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition) and our Spring 2014 philanthropy (Circle of Sisterhood). During my summers of high school, I volunteered at the Philadelphia Urban Missions Program (PUMP) at the Chinese Christian Church and Center (CCCnC). I have also previously volunteered at Asian Art Initiative events and during the Mid-Autumn Festival. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? My expressiveness and acceptance of others would qualify me to be the next Miss Temple Asia. I believe letting others know how you feel is important, but also making sure you do not go overboard to hurt another person's feelings. "Constructive criticism" is another way to phrase at what is right to say. Not only are you telling what is wrong, but you are also instructing what should be done to improve whatever. Most people approach me because even though I do judge them, I still accept them for who they are. This allows for whomever and I to build that relationship where we can both trust and be comfortable with each other. Although these relationships may not happen instantly, I still put my time and effort to make sure that it blossoms with its own genuine story. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? For almost 20 years of my life I have thought I was biologically Chinese and Vietnamese -- I was wrong. I'm 100% Chinese, raised with Chinese, Vietnamese and American traditions. Growing up I never distinguished the differences between each culture, but as discovered my one true ethnicity, I've learned to value its aspects more. As a Chinese woman, I appreciate the holidays we celebrate, and I enjoy (even though I may not agree with certain rules) learning about the role of the female in China. I am also proud to be a third generation Chinese woman that can represent, and show the evolvement of the first generation Chinese who came to Chinatown, Philadelphia. |
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Yiran Yao Year: Junior Major: Film Media Arts Activities/Clubs: Temple University International Student Association, Asian Student Association What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I used to work for Philadelphia APA youth summit as volunteer. Also, I went to Asian community workshops and meetings held by ECAASU many times. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I am considered a Chinese international student. I fully understand Asian culture from my background. Also, I would like to bring Asian culture to our Temple community. I modeled the traditional Chinese costume at some international events and also shared Chinese food history at memorial moments. I am proud to bring Chinese culture and values to our Temple community. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? Chinese culture has many different types of arts. From Singing to dancing, the history gives China a special and unique taste of art. Also, Chinese culture tells us the importance of being modest and always share your things with others. After I came to U.S, I saw many differences, and these differences give me a more clear image of Chinese culture. |
Filipina
Bea Martin
Year in school: Senior
Major/Minor: Neuroscience/French
Activities/Clubs: D2D: Dare To Dance
What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University?
I was a part of Temple University Asian Students Association my Freshmen, Sophomore, and the beginning of my Junior year. During my time in TUASA, we did many events that empowered Asians/Asian-Americans--events like "Spotlight 2.0" where Asian/Asian-American talents were able to showcase themselves and break the stereotypes. I was also the Events Coordinator of Queer People Of Color which we held a program regarding LGBTQs in AAPI communities and vice versa that created a dialog among other queer people of color.
What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia?
The two qualities I possess that I believe makes me the perfect Miss Temple Asia are, first, my pride as a Filipino and as an Asian-American. Ever since I moved from the Philippines to America, everything changed about me--my environment, the people around me, the culture--and my identity as Filipino never changed. I am Filipino before I am a woman, I am a Filipino before I am a student, I am Filipino before I am anything else. My upbringing in the Philippines shaped me to be who I am today. The second is my diverse background. I am an openly gay woman studying Neuroscience and minoring in French. I am also the co-founder/vice-president of the dance organization D2D: Dare To Dance. In addition, I am a dance instructor/choreographer for Philly Arts Academy, a non-profit organization that provides art programs to schools and recreation centers all over the city of Philadelphia that do not have access to art programs. These experiences and aspects of my life have given me the privilege to see life from different perspectives to which allowed me to better myself, better the people around me, and better my community.
What makes you proud of your ethnicity?
What makes me proud of being Filipino is our pride in our culture. Filipinos might have our differences but at the end of the day, we are Filipino. No matter where we are in the world, we come together as Filipino. That is what makes us strong as people and as a nation.
Ako ay Pilipino
Year in school: Senior
Major/Minor: Neuroscience/French
Activities/Clubs: D2D: Dare To Dance
What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University?
I was a part of Temple University Asian Students Association my Freshmen, Sophomore, and the beginning of my Junior year. During my time in TUASA, we did many events that empowered Asians/Asian-Americans--events like "Spotlight 2.0" where Asian/Asian-American talents were able to showcase themselves and break the stereotypes. I was also the Events Coordinator of Queer People Of Color which we held a program regarding LGBTQs in AAPI communities and vice versa that created a dialog among other queer people of color.
What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia?
The two qualities I possess that I believe makes me the perfect Miss Temple Asia are, first, my pride as a Filipino and as an Asian-American. Ever since I moved from the Philippines to America, everything changed about me--my environment, the people around me, the culture--and my identity as Filipino never changed. I am Filipino before I am a woman, I am a Filipino before I am a student, I am Filipino before I am anything else. My upbringing in the Philippines shaped me to be who I am today. The second is my diverse background. I am an openly gay woman studying Neuroscience and minoring in French. I am also the co-founder/vice-president of the dance organization D2D: Dare To Dance. In addition, I am a dance instructor/choreographer for Philly Arts Academy, a non-profit organization that provides art programs to schools and recreation centers all over the city of Philadelphia that do not have access to art programs. These experiences and aspects of my life have given me the privilege to see life from different perspectives to which allowed me to better myself, better the people around me, and better my community.
What makes you proud of your ethnicity?
What makes me proud of being Filipino is our pride in our culture. Filipinos might have our differences but at the end of the day, we are Filipino. No matter where we are in the world, we come together as Filipino. That is what makes us strong as people and as a nation.
Ako ay Pilipino
Indian
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Haritha Reddy Year in school: Sophomore Major/Minor: Biology/Health Sociology Activities/Clubs: Temple Agni (Female Competitive Fusion Dance Team) (Co-Captain), Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) (President) What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I have tried to raise awareness of Indian culture by performing with my dance team at various events around campus.With FIMRC, I help organize events and raise funds for maternal and pediatric health in clinics abroad by helping students understand doctor-patient and interpersonal skills (compassion) for those who need help early on in life. I hope to help students understand the value of understanding other cultures so that people are more open to giving and receiving help from one another. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? Being in a medical program, I have the determination to become a surgeon in the Doctors Without Borders Program in order to help individuals abroad, so I demonstrate the desire to be open to multiple cultures, not just my own, for the betterment of the community. I also have the confidence to present myself for who I am and not how society dictates a woman should be. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? My Indian (Asian) culture is an integral part of the decisions I've made and the way I behave. Indian culture embraces multiple religions, lifestyle choices, etc. and I believe that this diversity in reflected in my personality as I grow to try to understand others' perspectives. |
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Jimika Mehta Year in school: Senior Major/minor: Chemistry with Teaching Activities/Clubs: Temple Agni (Dancer 2011- 2015, Captain 2013-2015), Temple University Chemical Society (Public Relations Co-Director 2014-2015) , Young Jains of America (Local Representative 2012-2014, Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator 2014-2015), TU Teach Society, AMSA. What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? My involvement as Captain of Temple Agni has provided me with many opportunities to engage in all sorts of South Asian functions. I have had the privilege of competing with my team on national levels across the country. This past April of 2014, at Temple University, we were able to bring awareness of our Indian heritage within the Asian community by competing in the “Celebration of Globalization”, taking home third place. Temple Agni was also the first Temple University Indian dance team to compete within major South Asian competitions such as Nach Ke Dikha and Naach Naach Revolution last year. With that said, the awareness that my dance team and I created with our dedication to competing both locally and nationally has been remarkable. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I believe that I have a resilient nature. Miss Temple Asia should represent an individual who doesn't back down, is persistent, and knows how to continue through her trials and tribulations. I’m an individual who is non-partisan on all fronts. I don’t believe in jumping to conclusions with judgment. I believe in open communication, open mindedness, sharing and experiencing other peoples cultures, and finding a common ground that we can all be a part of. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? I represent my country, India; and our love of our vibrant colors, dances, spices, and more, which makes us a prominent figure within Asia. For one, I encompass the artistic and free spirit that India has to offer within my love for dance. Secondly, I am an avid follower in the cultural and religious traditions that India holds dear. I believe it’s important to implement your roots within your daily life, to preserve culture and tradition, while staying humble to your roots. |
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Laavanya Divakaruni Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Biology Activities/Clubs: South Asian Student Society, Honors Admissions and Transitions Team, Alpha Epsilon Delta What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? My freshman year I joined Temple University Bhangra, a co-ed Indian Dance team. Sophomore year I was elected to be captain, and worked to spread awareness of dancing and Punjabi culture at Temple University and the Philadelphia community. Sophomore year I also joined South Asian Student Society and in April we held an event called Salaam Namaste which was oriented to inform others about the cultures of the eight countries we represent. As a part of the Honors Admissions and Transitions Team, I share my experiences at Temple University and encourage interested high school applicants on why Temple would be a good fit for them. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? Genuine Compassionate What makes you proud of your ethnicity? Food, clothes, superstitions, holidays, Bollywood movie industry and everything in between that comes with being Indian. Honestly, there's so much I love about being Indian and I could not imagine my life any other way! |
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Neha Raman Year in school: Freshman Major/minor: International Business Activities/Clubs: Temple Agni, Entertainment Business Association (EBA), Art of Business (AB/BA) What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? Ever since I was little, I have always been an active member of the Asian community. Throughout high school, I was actively involved in our Indian Cultural Association, which allowed me to assist in different cultural events, advertise for them, and even become an active participant. I love my culture and I want others to enjoy it as much as I do, so I brought friends of various races and backgrounds to events with me and watched them fall in love with the culture as well. I am also open to exploring new cultures as well, and have had friends take me to their cultural events and I too have fallen in love with their cultures as well. As a freshman now, I am on Agni, an Indian fusion dance team here at Temple, which allows me to embrace my culture everyday through the medium of dance. As I work throughout my freshman year and for the many years to come, I hope to share my love for this culture and do whatever I can to give back to the Asian community. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? Determination- Determination is absolutely essential when it comes to getting anything accomplished. Whether it be goals, homework, or assignments, determination is what gets me to the final product. Personable- Being personable is key when it comes to being a role model, such as Miss Temple Asia. I am a very friendly, outgoing, people-oriented type of person and I am all about helping others. I would make the perfect Miss Temple Asia because I possess both qualities that are necessary in a role model and a leader. Being personable allows people to feel comfortable coming to me with any suggestions or issues and being determined allows me to get those tasks done to the fullest of my ability. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? Lights. Camera. Action. Song. Dance. Color. These may seem like just words, but to me they are what defines my culture. I am so proud of the fact that I come from such a fun and colorful culture. From high elaborate weddings, to blockbuster movies, to flavorful foods; we have it all. To me, I think my culture has everything I would have ever wanted. We have a huge array of foods that vary between the north and south, various clothing styles, colorful celebrations, eventful and exquisite weddings, and house the movie capital of the world. With all of this and more, why wouldn't I be proud of my ethnicity? |
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Neha Sharma Year in school: Senior Major/minor: Psychology Activities/Clubs: D2D:Dare To Dance, founding member. What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I, as a professional dancer, choreographer, artist and teacher travel to countries and states to teach residencies at colleges/ universities. As a woman of the Asian community, I feel like I'm setting a standard that is different than the norm or what people, especially from the South Asian community expect. I love traveling and teaching students from all over the world because I have seen value in holding my culture close to me as I embark on this international journey. Freshmen year, I joined Outta Kontrol Dance Crew on campus and the following year co- founded my own dance organization that has just celebrated it's 2 years anniversary. D2D: Dare To Dance was created to invite not only members of the Temple community, but all of Philadelphia's communities to gain a learning experience in dance. We have worked very hard to become one of the top organizations on campus and hope to keep prospering within the city! What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I was raised in a very different cultural setting than most of my friends, including my Asian friends. Though I was born and raised in India, my parents are from Nepal and so I have had the chance to carry multiple cultural values and experiences that make me the person that I am today. I am a 20 year old Senior at Temple who aspires to be happy and successful in the arts. I am ambitious, in the sense that I choose my dream over the dream my parents dreamt for me. Though I came in as a Pre-Med track student, by the end of freshmen year I had started touring and decided to switch majors and pursue dancing as a psychology major. I am compassionate for the life that the arts provides for people who work hard towards their dream and turn their struggle into a beautiful journey that is often overlooked compared to other career choices. With my degree and experience I hope to become a dance therapist working with autistic/ disabled children while performing and teaching around the world. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? I speak 6 languages (Sanskrit, Hindi, Nepali, Gujarati, English, Sign Language) - 4 of which come from the South Asian parts of the world. As a South Asian woman I have a lot of baggage to carry in terms of what defines me. I hold a heritage that has screamed both for freedom and the right to live. I have learnt from my culture, things that determine my each and every move on a daily basis. I am a daily reminder to myself and the world that being an Indian and an artist is a possibility with many successes. I am glad I am able to intertwine my Indian classical moves with Hip Hop on platforms like Broadway and International Stages, the universe rewards me with energy that is phenomenal and I can feel that on stage! I have had the opportunity to learn from my very talented chef parents, the ways to amazing Indian cooking and so much more. There's a lot to be proud of. I'm well known as the "Hip Hopping Indian Princess". Mera Bharat Mahan! |
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Stephanie Oalickal Year in school: Freshman Major/minor: Accounting Activities/Clubs: Temple Agni, Lacrosse, Syro Malabar Youth League, Indian Pakistani Cultural Organization, Bharatham Dance Academy What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? Last year I was able to conduct a Multicultural Charity Show and donated all of its proceeds to Pratham USA. Although I have just arrived to Temple about a month ago, I have been staying involved with the organizations which I am involved in. Also, I plan on getting involved in many cultural clubs on campus to learn more about my ethnicity as well as meet new people. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? One quality I possess is leadership. I enjoy involving myself into activities that I can soon become a leader in. I have lead multiple organizations and events that became very successful. I hope that my leadership will help my predecessors in the future. Another quality I posses is that I am very extroverted. I love associating myself with different crowds to network or work with. I am approachable and never shy to express my feelings towards anything. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? I am proud of my ethnicity because of the culture, attire, and the sense of family. Keeping the culture alive is very important to me. I love attending cultural events such as Onam, Navarati, and Holi. These events make me feel different compared to any other culture. The attire such as salwars and langas makes me feel like a princess! Whenever I wear my outfits in public, people always admire it beauty and compliment it. Being Indian makes me feel like I am a part of a huge family. There are always people watching out for you and making sure you are doing well. The family sensation makes me feel at home wherever I see Indians. |
Korean
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Sue Bae Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Marketing Activities/Clubs: Temple Bboys, Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc. , American Marketing Association What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I have brought awareness to the Asian community to the best of my ability on campus, as well as the community, by participating in community service events for the Asian Arts Initiative, and other Asian sponsored or oriented events. I have also hosted an informational program last semester, in regards to the Asian Standard of Beauty, as well as participated in other events and organizations on campus pertaining to various Asian cultures and topics. I am also passionate about Liberty in North Korea, a non-profit organization that helps North Korean refugees to freedom and grants them support, and I strive to bring awareness and create a big impact in the future for the cause. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? One quality that makes me perfect for Miss Temple Asia would be my blue eyes. When I think of blue eyes, I think of purity, and innocence, like a child. As we get older, we tend to lose our creativity, or we view things in a harsher light than we should. It’s something we don’t want to happen, but it does. For me, I don’t necessarily think I have lost that. In fact I am able to view things in a different and more optimistic perspective. I always bring the light to situations, and always try to think outside of the box. Another quality that I embody is versatility. I am able to go with the flow of any situation, and act appropriately according to what is going on. I am able to go from thinking critically to expressing creativity like a switch of a button. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? I am very prideful of my culture because Korea has a lot to offer to not only other Koreans, but to many people worldwide. Korea has a unique culture, however, many people can relate or enjoy it as well, whether it be through dramas, music, or food. I am also very proud to be Korean, because Korean celebrities have broke down barriers for Asian Americans. Various musicians like 2NE1, PSY, and Wonder Girls have collaborated with American artists, whether it be with a music track or tour, which has paved the way for a world wide K-Pop wave to occur. Many people are more open to the music genre, despite the cultural difference. |
Pakistani
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Sohini Husain Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Biology Activities/Clubs: Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc. What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I'm president of a community service sorority, and am always looking for opportunities to help anyone around me. I love working with children in the Philadelphia area, and making even a small difference in one child's life is something that means the world to me. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I love my culture and am extremely proud of it; I speak 4 different languages and understand 6. I also believe myself to be a genuine and "real" person, and I'm not scared to stand up, take risks, and be a leader. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? We live in a time where it's often difficult to be proud of the culture I'm from. Tragedies around the world are often associated with my people, and I try to dispel any negative stereotypes by being the kindest and best human being I can be. I hope that through my actions and those of other Muslims around me, we can showcase the beautiful things in our culture, like our scientific achievements, our music, and our art. |
Sri Lankan
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Janeni Nayagan Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Biology Activities/Clubs: Public Relations Chair of the South Asian Students Society, Volunteer at Shriners Children's Hospital, Honors Peer Mentor What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I work to bring more South Asian culture to campus by participating in the South Asian Students Society Executive Board. Although I try to do this, I feel like the Asian community has made a greater impact on me by allowing me to keep in touch with my roots while still leading me life as an American girl. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I'm open-minded, and I love Chipotle. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? The best part about being a part of my culture is that I have common ground with my parents and every generation before us. No matter how different life in America is for me growing up compared to how life in Sri Lanka was for my grandmother, we will always be able to connect based on whatever culture she has passed down to me. |
Vietnamese
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Anh Q. Nguyen Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Marketing Activities/Clubs: I'm part of the recruiting team for the Dept. of Navy. I help the team gather dates to come visit schools. What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I believe that language preservation is crucial within the Asian community. Many would call themselves a certain nationality but doesn't know how to speak their mother's tongue. Not only is it a good thing to be bilingual/multilingual but it's a great way to help preserve your native language, by speaking it well enough to pass it along to the younger generations so that your language doesn't just die away. At my workplace, aside from major duties I'm also an interpreter. This essentially is a way for me to help preserve one of the many languages within the Asian community, Vietnamese. Being a student of Temple University, I believe that by me working hard and getting good grades is sufficient to add to the quality of TempleU so that we are not seen as just being "Temple University," but hopefully one day TempleU will be up to par with all of the other schools like Princeton, Yale, Harvard etc. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I'm very down to earth and a happy person, I think this would help bring a more positive atmosphere. I love new experiences and this is just one of many opportunities for me to learn more from others. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? What's there to not be proud of? There are so many stereotypes against us, both positive and negative that for us to be able to prove people wrong is amazing. For example, those who said that asians can't drive haven't seen Tokyo Drift yet. US ASIANS CAN DRIVE! |
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Ly Tran Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Biology Pre-Pharmacy Track (4+4) Activities/Clubs: TUASA, TUPAC (Temple University Philippine American Council), KSA (Korean Student Association), TUCS (Temple University Chemical Society) What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? Being an active participant in ASA, it has opened my doors for me to meet organizations and influential people. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at many events, such as campus philly, love run as well as worked on the ECAASU bid team. Currently I am also on the team to organize the Philadelphia APA Youth Summit that will be taking place in October. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I have a very enthusiastic personality, and with this trait I feel that I can make the best out of every situation regardless of the outcome. Because of this I am able to enjoy and cherish what is given to me and learn from it. Another trait I feel that is an important quality for Miss Temple Asia is my determination. If there are situations that are not in my favor, I will try my all and give my 110%. Though I may not have gotten the desired result, I know in the back of my mind that I gave it my all, therefore I succeeded no matter what. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? My parents are the reason why I am so proud to be Vietnamese. Seeing them struggle yet hold the ethics and cultural value of a Vietnamese person, to give me what I have today is something I am extremely proud of. Its not just the beautiful Vietnamese culture that has taught me to become proud. Its the history and how Vietnamese people have come so far and what they have gone through that makes the culture what it is today. |
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Sue Quan Year in school: Sophomore Major/minor: Psychology Activities/Clubs: Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc., Vietnamese Student Association What have you done to make an impact on the Asian community, as well as Temple University? I am an active sister of Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc., which is an Asian Interest sorority. I have contributed to the Asian community by being involved in many events that promote Asian Awareness such as being a model for 'Asia By Night', a cultural show hosted by Temple VSA which showcased the many different cultures on Temple's campus. I have also volunteered for AAI (Asian Arts Initiative) to help with events and festivals. In addition, I work with my Buddhist Temple to raise money to donate to monasteries. What two qualities do you possess that makes you the perfect Miss Temple Asia? I have philanthropic ambitions and enjoy raising money for those in need. If I were to become Miss Temple Asia I would donate a portion of my winnings to a charity. I'm also a very genuine person who likes to help others. What makes you proud of your ethnicity? I'm proud of my ethnicity because I love the Vietnamese community. I believe that Vietnamese people are very close and family-oriented. There is a special bond between Vietnamese people. I'm proud of my culture because it is what identifies me. |