Throughout the years, East Asian Affinity has grown to become a larger and more prominent presence in the D-E community. Today, the group offers an affinity space that is fun, fulfilling, and freeing to current East Asian students. One of the student leaders, Sasha Rhee ’23, expressed how the affinity space offers a “support system from people who can relate to you” and is a place to “really help kids” to grow “more comfortable with their own identity”.
One of East Asian Affinity’s proudest moments, and one of Sasha’s favorite experiences as affinity member, was the fashion show celebrating Lunar New Year. A show dedicated to expressing and spreading culture and creativity, students dressed up in traditional clothing from different countries. During the Lunar Year assembly, students also performed skits telling the origins of the Chinese zodiac signs. According to Sasha, joining the affinity group played an essential role throughout her high school career; “being able to help kids navigate their identity and learn to be proud of it and learn that it’s really important to have representation in high school” has been a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Bonding with a community of both under and upper classmen, Sasha – along with her peers — built new friendships and learned to grow comfortable with their own Asian American identity.
