Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month officially started May 1, and most students were busy with final projects and studying before the semester ended, including recent graduate Emily Thao-Singh. That is why she, along with other student workers in the Multicultural Center at the University of Nevada, Reno held more than ten API events in April to ensure graduating students like themselves were able to honor API month before finals season began.
Thao-Singh is a public health major who worked as a student supervisor at the Multicultural Center at the University. Her duties included overseeing the student staff, assisting with event planning and maintaining order in the Center. The purpose of the API events was to give underrepresented students an outlet to be themselves, and a space to feel included and heard, she said.
Events ranging from karaoke, craft nights, self-care nights and an API night market all took place within April and throughout the year.
The public health graduate detailed the skills she has developed since she joined the Center. While she was involved in the production of events and services, she made an effort to keep everyone in the loop and informed, increasing her communication and teamwork skills.
During her time in the role, Thao-Singh wanted to serve as an inspiration and a resource for other diverse underrepresented students who might have wanted to be part of a leadership position but felt held back because they didn’t feel included. She mentioned that there are various diverse students in leadership roles at the Center, including student workers who are Black, Asian Pacific Islander, etc. which can encourage students of all races and ethnicities to go for the role they want.
“No job here is done alone, everyone’s perspective here is valued,” Thao-Singh said. “Working together as a team, and honestly just having fun with it is very important when it comes to event planning.”
Thao-Singh also took part in the affinity spring graduation commencement ceremonies, a series of graduation events that highlight and celebrate the various groups on campus. Starting on May 8, along with other student workers in the Center, Thao-Singh worked the ceremonies to ensure the celebrations are as impactful and meaningful as possible. During the Asian Pacific Islander (API) affinity group celebration, Thao-Singh walked and participated as a graduate speaker at the event.
Interested in ultrasound, Thao-Singh hopes to continue her schooling to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS). She plans to use the skills she learned during her time as a student supervisor to find a job in the field to gain experience while she decides what school and degree program she wants to enroll in.
“Seeing the behind-the-scenes of what goes into everything at the Center has been really helpful and I will definitely take what I’ve learned here to help me with post-college life,” Thao-Singh said.
Thao-Singh plans to continue to inform and educate individuals on the various underrepresented cultures beyond graduation as well. Her graduation speech was broadcast and was available for all students and faculty to attend. Learn more on the Affinity Graduation Celebration webpage.
