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Thoughts, tips, and updates from ASA ​

The Wake-Up Call: Don't Forget to Enjoy Life Amidst the Daily Grind

9/20/2023

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By: Gracie Singleton
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​Michelle Chhong is a University of Illinois Urbana Champaign alum who has worked her way up the corporate ladder. She is currently the Transformation Programs Lead at Schneider Electric, and she understands the challenge of pursuing the right career while still enjoying life. During my interview with her, I got to learn more about her story and how she got to be where she is today. As we looked into her story, she mentioned how alarmingly easy it is to become swamped with work, forgetting to savor life. In this blog, we'll explore the dangers of being overwhelmed by work and offer a wake-up call to prioritize enjoying life.

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The Relentless Pursuit of Success
We live in an era where success is often defined by professional achievements and material gains. This obsession with success can lead to a never-ending pursuit of career goals, causing us to work excessively long hours and neglect other aspects of our lives. In the process, we might miss out on family gatherings, important celebrations, and personal milestones. This idea is especially prevalent when thinking about members of the AAPI community since many suffer from constantly having to push further due to pressures from family, society, or others. Michelle mentioned that her parents came from Cambodia, and they originally were the type of people to “put their heads down and take any work they could get.” This type of dedication to work not only created a pressure for her succeed but also created a gap in her sense of self-worth. Michelle recounts her process of finally learning to negotiate contracts and understanding that her skills were valuable. While all of this growth was immensely beneficial, there was still something missing that she tried to fill with work, continuously pushing her way up the “ladder.”

Lost Opportunities for Personal Growth
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On her journey to climb up the corporate ladder, Michelle mentioned that her priorities shifted to have little time for anything but work. She said that people’s priorities are going to shift and should, but COVID opened her eyes to the life she was missing out on. In college, Michelle was heavily involved in extra curriculars and the AAPI community, but until COVID, she had not realized how little she participated in anything outside of work. Once she decided to shift her thinking, Michelle got reconnected with Shane Carlin, President and CEO of Asian Student Achievement, and she decided to serve on the diversity, equity, and inclusion board for Schneider Electric.
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 As Michelle found prior to COVID, being buried in work can limit our opportunities for exploration and self-improvement. We miss out on the chance to learn new skills, pick up hobbies, or travel to new places – experiences that enrich our lives and contribute to our overall happiness. This was something that Michelle had forgotten but was working to rectify. Today, she has taken a step back from work and prioritizes balancing her work and her personal life.
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After realizing the changes that needed to be made, Michelle set out to get reconnected in organizations that she enjoyed when in college, but what can you do to start creating more balance?

Set Boundaries
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Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This means switching off from work when you're supposed to be off the clock. Use technology wisely – resist the temptation to constantly check emails or messages during your free time. One way to do this is to name and visualize your limit. This will help you to separate yourself from the root which will ultimately create a better balance for your life.

​Another option that many people struggle with is saying no. Sometimes you have to say no to something whether it be plans, a project, or a favor. Most people struggle with saying no to others, and this fear of discomfort allows others to push your boundaries a little bit each time. This pushing will ultimately destroy the balance that you are looking for, so stand firm on your boundaries, and say no when needed.

Make Time for Loved Ones
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In addition to setting boundaries, you should make time for your family and friends. Make a conscious effort to spend quality time with them. Schedule regular family dinners, catch up with friends, and attend important events. Spending time with people you care about can reduce stress and fulfill emotional needs. Sometimes quality time with the right people can make a bad day or a stressful project seem a little less crazy. Life can be a lot, and we need each other to lean on, so make sure you are prioritizing the people in your life.  

Practice Mindfulness
Balance is more than just physically separating from work. Another way to find balance in life is mentally through mindfulness. Mindfulness can help you stay present in the moment, appreciating life's little joys. Engage in activities that bring you happiness, whether it's reading, hiking, cooking, or simply meditating. Being mindful can counteract the stress and anxiety that often accompany a hectic work life. It can also help lower blood pressure and improve sleep. Finding a moment of calm and peace, however you do it, is always good to give your mind a moment to rest. 
Conclusion
​As we take in Michelle’s story, we see that in our quest for success and productivity, we must not forget to enjoy life. Being swamped with work with the sole purpose of climbing a company ladder has consequences for our health, relationships, and overall happiness. It's time for a wake-up call. There are times when you need to work hard, but there are also times when a break is needed. Prioritize enjoyment in your life by setting boundaries, making time for loved ones, and practicing mindfulness. Life is too short to be solely focused on work; it's the moments of joy and connection that truly matter.

​ If you’d like to support our students here at ASA, click here to make a donation today!



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Pursuing Your Passion

8/17/2023

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By: Gracie Singleton
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On August 1-3, 2023 “The Hawaiian Brothers” took on the Teen Crossfit Games in Madison Wisconsin. After a hard weekend, Ka’eo, age 16, ended in 9th, and the youngest brother of the trio Kulani, age 15, took home 4th place. Their oldest brother Elijah, age 18, joined as a coach for the first time ever as he awaits the adult’s upcoming season. The three brothers currently reside in Austin, Texas, and work in their family gym “Ku Mana” along with their mom, dad, and two younger siblings who are already training for their future in CrossFit! Austin has quickly become a new home for them, but as their name suggests, they did not begin their journey on the mainland. 

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Before we begin, for those who may not know, the sport is a mix of varied workouts that prepare for all movements, including running, gymnastics, and weights as defined by Crossfit.com. These exercises are typically led by a coach and done within a group. Because of the encouraging environment and benefits to a person’s physical health, CrossFit has grown in popularity recently. Livestrong reports that in 2022, there were more than 5,000 CrossFit gyms across the US. They further explain that the sport is enjoyed by many people no matter what stage of life. The more competitive athletes within CrossFit are then invited to participate in the Crossfit Games. The teen division is composed of thousands of individuals competing, and the adult division, where Elijah competes, hosts hundreds of thousands.

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Now that we understand what CrossFit and the CrossFit Games are, let me tell you about the Subionos, or “The Hawaiian Brothers” as they are lovingly referred to as at the games. The three boys grew up on the Hawaiian island of Oahu where their dad, Keoni, owned a CrossFit gym. It was at this gym that they fell in love with the sport, and while they had always known it, they each decided to take it seriously by age 10. 

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As competitors, each brother trains all year long for the CrossFit games. A day in their lives during their season includes waking up at 8 am and then training at 9 am for two and a half hours. After that, they take a break for their homeschooling led by their mom, Rose, from 12-3 pm before heading back for training session number two from 3-6:30 pm. As they get closer to the competition, their training increases including some 6-8 hour training days. All of this hard work pushes them closer to their ultimate goal of, you guessed it, winning the games!

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All three of them want to compete as long as they can before retiring as an athlete and shifting their focus to their gym. Currently, at their family gym, Kulani is the accountant in training, Ka’eo is the general manager in training, and Elijah is the head coach in training. For them, CrossFit is their whole life, and they pursue it with a passion for the sport, not just winning or competing. Kulani says that the sport consumes his whole life, but at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. Ka’eo and Elijah share this sentiment saying that it gives them a purpose and has instilled a growth mindset in them and their family.
After competing in the games this year, they each agree that the hardest part is the mental game. Ka’eo states that it can be hard “to stay positive and willpower through the pain.” He mentions that it can be easy to be discouraged after a bad event, but you have to shake it off. Kulani and Elijah agree, taking a more mathematical perspective, they say that “the mental battle to keep pushing through is the hardest part” because sometimes you have to “let go of the idea of winning” when it no longer makes sense and “mathematically there’s no way you can win.” Despite the mental battle, this year was a great year for both Kulani and Ka’eo. Ka’eo stayed fully focused during the pulling power event, and Kulani hit a new PR of 275 for his clean jerk. Although Elijah did not compete in the teen division, he is more motivated than ever to come back stronger and faster for the upcoming adult season.
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Throughout their journey in CrossFit, they have found that they are some of the few Hawaiian Pacific Islanders that compete. They each say that being Hawaiian is “something they want to represent well” and that they want to “make home proud.” Kulani mentioned that being “The Hawaiian Brothers” plays a big part in how they brand themselves, and he hopes to represent that title well too. The boys also described how their dad brings a flag to each of their competitions. For Elijah, this encourages him and immediately reminds him that the “entire state of Hawaii is backing” him. Being a member of such a supportive community helps the brothers focus and gives them a further purpose to do well. 

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Their best advice for anyone wanting to pursue their passion is to believe in yourself. They caution to “be ready for it not to be fun,” but if this is your passion, then “no one can stop you.” Ka’eo mentions that it’s important to “find other people that love to do what you do.” Finding a community of supportive individuals is always important no matter what your passion is, and we at Asian Student Achievement are here to support everyone in the AAPI community. If you want to join the community or help our mission to support AAPI students, click here! 

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Secrets For A Successful Year

8/4/2023

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By: Gracie Singleton
The beginning of the school year is quickly approaching, and with it, comes a wide range of emotions. Parents are ecstatic, kids are sad to see summer go, and teachers are desperately trying to convince themselves they are ready for another year; however, there is another group that is scared and excited and unsure of what is to come: First Year College Students. Being a newbie anywhere can be daunting, but we compiled some tips from recent first years in order to set up this year’s class for success. ​
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Advice From Recent First Years
Aermon Hanna, our Business Development and Videographer Intern, just finished his first year at Belmont University. He is a full-time student and enrolled in the Vanderbilt ROTC program. His advice for new college students is to allow for the adjustment process to happen. Aermon suggests everyone give themselves the grace to see what works and what does not. Each person is different, so it makes sense that what might work for a friend, may not work for everyone. While he does advocate for a slower start, he also advises that everyone join clubs and explore new opportunities. He says that “college is a time for experimentation,” so everyone should try as much as they can. Throughout this exploration is where one might discover their passion. Aermon strongly reminds new students that they are not in high school anymore. It is okay to do things alone. It is okay to feel lonely and out of place. It happens to everyone. It is incredibly important to get involved, so when feelings like this arise, there is a community available for support. 



Another recent first year, Lexi Waid, shared her thoughts on her first year at West Chester University. Her biggest piece of advice is to “be yourself and do anything you want.” She highlights the importance of finding the right crowd and how impossible that is if someone is not their authentic self. Lexi says to do anything! She says to try new things and get out there. The one thing she would change about her year is her living situation. Finding a roommate can be challenging when initially entering college. Do not be afraid of changing rooms or moving out after the first semester. It is better to be happy than to suffer for nine whole months. The one thing she took away from her year was time management. Lexi says that it is necessary to learn “when to be social and when to study.” College is filled with lots of fun opportunities, but it is important to make school the top priority.  ​
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Secrets From A College Professional
In addition to students, we had a professional weigh in on the matter. Christy Ridings, Belmont’s Associate University Minister, says to give grace. Not everyone is going to figure it all out in the first month of school, not all new things are the right thing, and college is a huge transition to independent life. She says that throughout it all, everyone needs grace for themselves and others. Christy also advised that what someone did in high school may not be the thing they do in college, and that is okay. She says to get out there and see what there is. Additionally, she says to find a routine. Christy says that some kids like to sleep during their extra time, but all that does is set a person back. Naps are good, but they are not everything! Finally, Christy says to remember that the workload increases and can seem overwhelming. She likes to say that “inch by inch is a sinch, but yard by yard is very hard.” What she is saying here is that the work can be broken down. Do not let the whole semester overwhelm someone in the first week. Her last piece of advice is “to go to class!” 

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While we love our professors, US News & World Report also has some secrets for a successful year. They say to be prepared for class early and to get ready to be treated as an adult. Up to this point, most kids have never had to fully care for themselves, and it is a huge transition as everyone adjusts to life without parents. Make sure to prepare for this! US News & World Report also says to make time for communicating with a parent or guardian. Remember that this is a huge adjustment for them too, and they need as much help through this transition as the student!  

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Underused Resources 
The tips so far are all incredibly useful for day-to-day life, and it is important to know how to put them to use. To start, almost all student resources can be found somewhere online. Just google what is needed followed by the school name, and boom! It is probably there. But what services are available? There are student learning centers, mental health services, religious groups, fitness resources, and more! College is truly set up to help everyone succeed, but as Christy likes to say, “Students need to be proactive, not reactive” when using these resources. Do not wait until it is too late to get help. Get help when it is first evident that it is needed.

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There are also many off-campus resources as well as on-campus ones. For career building, there are many networking events around town or Handshake for internships and online events. Handshake is a great platform used by many schools to connect students to employers and mentors. 

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ASA Can Help
Overall, we want each first year student to have a great first year and a great college experience. Asian Student Achievement has many resources available from mentorship to internships to jobs on our diversity-driven job board. Click here to support the organization and learn more! ​
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