Mai Lee, Patrick Henry ’06, College of St. Catherine

I am involved in the Asian Women’s Association (AWA). What I like about this organization is that I get to be part of a group, a diverse group that includes people with many different family structures. The group gives me the opportunity to meet new people, learn about other Asian cultures, and, most importantly, learn about other women of color who are influential leaders in society.

- Mai Lee, Patrick Henry ’06, College of St. Catherine

My favorite thing about student organizations is that I get to do something out of the ordinary. It's great to be involved and to experience new things.

 - Victoria Vang, Central ‘05, University of Minnesota – Duluth

The Homecoming Parade. HSO won first place. - Chonburi Lee, Arlington ’06, Southwest Minnesota State University

As a black person I've always felt torn by identification, on whether I should designate myself as simply black or African-American, African or just Haitian. While I'm comfortable with all terms, I've observed that my peers have had more difficulties in doing such. One organization on Campus that makes an effort to address these issues through discussion is Afrika!. It has made an impression on me because throughout my years in the U.S. I've always had to discuss my problems and those concerning Africa, in particular, with white people. For the first time I've organized to talk to others who are not only black but are ethnically Africans. This has encouraged me to explore my heritage in ways that I hadn't before.

 - Wes Alcenat, Southwest ’06, Macalester College

My best experience with a student organization would have to be with the Hmong Minneosta Student Association. Coming

Pang Lee, Patrick Henry ’04, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

to the U, I hardly knew anyone, but through HMSA I met so many wonderful people. It has become a second family, a resource, and has made my college experience memorable. From all the activites and events to just general meetings, HMSA creates a second home and a niche for me here at the U.

- Pang Lee, Patrick Henry ’04, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

 I joined the organization called HOPE and we are doing a lot of activities relating to Hmong culture, including something at La Crosse for the Hmong New Year.

 - Chueyee Moua, Arlington ’06, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse

I am a board member for HANA, a multicultural organization on campus. I am in charge of finance for one of the four sub-groups within HANA and I love what I do because I am able to plan events and meetings, work with a lot of students and staff, and develop my time management and organizational skills. I am also an RA which is a lot of fun and a good learning experience. Plus it allows me to connect with other leaders on campus and expand my network.

 - Amber Rickard, Roosevelt ’05, University of St. Thomas

One organization I am involved with is the Multicultural and International Mentoring Program (MIPS). This program partnered me with an upper classman who is able to help guide me through my first year at college. She has helped me with my transition to college by introducing me to other programs on campus. I am so glad to have her.

- Jewelly Lee, Central ’06, College of St. Catherine

I’m part of HALO, the Hispanic and Latino Organization, which helps me connect with a lot of interesting individuals. We plan events – like dances and BBQs – and learn about Hispanic/Latino culture through movies and fun jeopardy games.

- Jose Chipoco, Patrick Henry

Theo Hoglund, Arlington ’05, St. John’s University

’06, Hamline University

I was drawing my name in a graffiti style and one of my classmates asked if I would draw her name. After finishing her name, she told me that she was president of the Art Club on Campus. She asked if I would like to design the shirts and do the decorations for the Graffiti dance that they are holding next month. I love making new pieces so I agreed to and started attending the Art Club meetings. I am now an active member of the club.

 - Theo Hoglund, Arlington ’05, St. John’s University

I went to a picnic hosted by the multicultural group and learned that there are actually more Asian people at River Falls than I thought. It was a nice surprise to learn that although River Falls doesn’t seem very diverse, it actually has a lot of diversity.

- Ong Vue, Harding ’06, University of Wisconsin – River Falls

My best experience has to be acting as president of MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan). This organization fights for equality for every minority here at St. Cloud University. Being president was an experience of a lifetime because I met new friends and helped organize debates concerning rights and honor.

- Luis Osorio-Dominguez, Roosevelt ’04, St. Cloud State University

I am the leader of MacMentors, a volunteering service, which gives me the opportunity to work closely with children that have very dramatic pasts and hopefully bright futures. The experience is great for a psychology major and helps me form connections both on and off campus. It also gives me the chance to prove myself as a responsible leader.

- Sophia Ngo, Central ’05, Macalester College

I have had a great experience with the Badminton Club. I started the club, ran the club for a semester, and am now an active member of the club.

Vang Lo, Arlington ’03, University of Wisconsin – River Falls

As a result, I've increased my leadership and organizational skills, and become a more advanced badminton player. What’s most exciting is that we just got new rackets and birdies!

- Vang Lo, Arlington ’03, University of Wisconsin – River Falls

 Over the summer I participated in the McGuire Edge Summer Program. It was the best experience I ever had with an organization because I made friends with strangers, learned about my values, my characteristics and traits, where things were on campus, and how to get around. Plus we got to meet a lot of important people.

 - Tony Chang, Johnson ‘06, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

It’s been wonderful getting involved with Carleton's AIDS/HIV Awareness group (AHA) because I get to educate and raise awareness about such a tough topic. - Jill Charles, Harding ’06, Carleton College I am working at Children's Hospital in the Volunteer Services as office support and a float volunteer. One of my most interesting and heart-wrenching position is working in the MCRC Runaway, where I socialize and support young female Hmong runaways who've been sexually exploited or involved in drugs and crimes.

 - Kayoua Vang, (school) ’05, Macalester College

This year I decided I wanted to join the Reed College Bike Co-op and it has been amazing. It has given me a chance to learn skills from other enthusiasts that will be valuable for the rest of my life, allows me to help and teach others, and makes me feel like I’m part of a community that is bonded by its love for a very positive thing: biking!

- Rachel Leaf, Southwest ’05, Reed College

 I’m President of the Anime and Manga Club at Hamline University. Hopefully it will be a good experience.

- Aranya Thor, Highland Park ’06, Hamline University