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Passing the Torch: Family Traditions I Continue to Uphold
Written by Francesca Tero My family has been at the heart of my earliest memories, shaping the traditions that have formed my strongest opinions and values. Every June during my most formative years, I would stand on stage to perform at an annual vocal recital in front of my entire community. This included my peers, teachers, various members of the church at which the recitals were always held, but most importantly, my parents, sister, cousins, Ninongs, and Ninangs, occupying a row of their own. Out of all of the people in the crowd, this was the only row whose eyes made me nervous. I remember also feeling shy at the…
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The Taste of Gratitude
Written by Hannah Sazon As the season of thanks rolls around, I’ve been thinking about how food plays such a big role in our cultures. It’s one of the first ways we learn love and care, even before realizing it. In my own life, gratitude has always shown up through the dishes that remind me of the people who raised me and the memories that come with them. It doesn’t always have to be an extravagant meal; what matters is the comfort and memories tied to it. Here are a few examples of what make up the taste of gratitude in my life. 1. Filipino Red Hot Dogs with Cheese…
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The Best Surprise I’ve Ever Received
Written by Ruthie Suarez The summer before my sophomore year of college was one of the hardest times of my life. My grandfather passed away from liver cancer, and even though we all knew he was getting weaker, it still didn’t feel real when it happened. He was someone who had always been there for me, someone who made me feel safe and loved. When he passed, I felt like something inside me went quiet, and going back to school with all that sadness still fresh was really hard. A few months later, I came home for the weekend. I was tired from classes and honestly just trying to get…
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My Thanksgiving Dinner
Written by Sophia Li The holidays are just around the corner, and Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays, not because of the food but because of how thankful I am for everything. I would tell God how grateful I am, but Thanksgiving is a day to show it and to celebrate. Honestly, the food isn’t even the best part of Thanksgiving. For me, the holiday is more about showcasing my gratitude for all of my friends and family. Growing Up Chinese: Hotpot Over Turkey “Hot pot is an interactive and communal dining experience where diners cook their own ingredients in a simmering pot of broth at the center of…
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How I Have Given Back to Communities Close to my Heart
Written by Zoe Pecson Since starting college, I have committed myself to working as a College Outreach Program Ambassador for the PUSO Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is Filipino-founded and focused on creating meaningful change in underserved communities. In this role, I’ve helped organize donation drives, promoted fundraising efforts, and connected other students to philanthropic opportunities. It has been a way for me to stay rooted in my culture while also expanding my impact beyond campus. Being part of PUSO has reminded me that service doesn’t have to be grand to matter. Every small effort adds up, and we’re stronger together when we show up for one another. This…
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My Favorite Cheat Meals
Written by Will Chen With Thanksgiving around the corner, all I can think about is the incredible food I’ll get to enjoy. As a young adult, I try to maintain a healthy diet most of the time, but I give myself one cheat meal each week. I usually save these for after finishing a tough project or exam, since treating myself to food I love helps ease stress and reset mentally. Here are some of the cheat meals I look forward to most. AYCE Sushi Sushi is one of my all-time favorite foods, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than Sakura, an all-you-can-eat restaurant a few miles from…
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Comfort on a Plate: My Top Comfort Meals
Written by: Angelina Ng There are plenty of days when the weather is gloomy and I am feeling down. With midterms season creeping around the corner, academic stress can surely affect the way I feel. When there are times that feel difficult to get through, a main solution for me is food. I make or pick up these delicious meals to munch on during the gloomy days. It gives me an extra push or motivation, or can ease my stress. Here are my favorite mood-boosting foods that you should try! 1. Beef Pho For colder or rainy weather, nothing tastes better than warm broth and noodles. The steaming broth infused…
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Breaking Cultural Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health
Written by Ruthie Suarez Growing up in a Filipino household, mental health wasn’t something we really talked about. When I felt anxious or overwhelmed, I was told to pray, distract myself, or just push through it. My family cared about me deeply, but mental health was seen as something you handled privately, not something you openly discussed. Because of that, I learned to hide what I was feeling. When I started noticing how easily I got distracted, how hard it was to focus, and how often I felt tense or on edge, I started wondering if something deeper was going on. I finally decided to bring up the idea of…
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A Guide to APIDA Orgs on Campus
Submitted by Hannah Sazon Joining the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community here on campus has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college years. As an out-of-state student who only knew one person from high school, I wasn’t sure how I was going to make friends on campus. However, joining one club quickly led to another, and before I knew it, I had found a home and a group of people I could truly call family. Below, I’ve put together a brief guide to the APIDA clubs at UD to help you get to know them and find your own place in this welcoming community! Asian…
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How Cultural Identity Shapes the College Experience
Submitted by Zoe Pecson There is something very special that we all as humans inherently feel and share: a desire for community. We all strive to find and connect with people who experience and enjoy life in ways that resonate with us. Many communities we find ourselves in can be built upon shared hobbies and passions, family ties, academic or professional endeavors, or past experiences; however, we are often most deeply connected through culture. Entering college often intensifies our craving for community. Faced with a new and unfamiliar world and life experience, we seek out others to share it with, people to witness our lives. Campuses offer many ways to…
