The Florida State University Asian American Student Union (AASU) is a student-led organization designed to promote Asian culture on campus and provide community and awareness to those involved. Their Executive Director, Nina Chong, is a Tennessee-born Junior at FSU. She is majoring in chemical engineering and hopes to combine her passions for materials science and fashion in her future career with the potential of law school later on. Aside from being the Executive Director of FSU’s AASU, Chong is involved in countless organizations on campus including Alpha Chi Omega and The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. Going into her third year, Chong has already become the picture of hard work and involvement at Florida State. We were given the opportunity to speak with her about her goals regarding the AASU and their annual “850 Night Market” which took place on September 16th.
Her Campus (HC): What initially drew you to join the Asian American Student Union?
Nina Chong (NC): Coming to FSU as an out-of-state student, I was in search of community and different ways to get involved. I was initially drawn to the AASU because it represents a community that I had been seeking for my entire life. There’s a liminality that comes with being Asian American because we don’t often fit into one category or another. I spent my childhood feeling either “too Asian” or “not Asian enough,” so coming to college and meeting other students who shared similar identities and life experiences was incredible. Everyone wants to feel like they belong, and AASU truly provides that for hundreds of students on campus.
HC: What are your goals for this year as Executive Director?
NC: I love the Asian American Student Union and I truly hope to give back to an organization that has given me so much. It is all due to the AASU that I have met some of my closest friends, greatest mentors, and people who feel like family. For an out-of-state student who is far from home, these things are invaluable. I have an outrageously long list of goals for this year as Director, so I’ll try to boil it down to the overarching goals. My first priority is to have fun, of course. Student organizations are amazing places to connect with others while participating in fun events, and I want every single AASU event to be high quality and extremely enjoyable this year. Additionally, I want to focus on cultivating leadership internally within the AASU to help the organization build momentum and continue improving in the future! Externally, I’m working to foster inclusivity and unity with all our affiliates and other Asian-interest organizations at Florida State!
HC: How has your involvement in the Asian American Student Union impacted your experience at FSU?
NC: My involvement in the Asian American Student Union has impacted my experience at FSU in every way. Many of my favorite college memories thus far have been times spent with people at AASU! My involvement in leadership with AASU has really refined my leadership skills and helped me develop my passion for advocacy and inclusion for the Asian American community. AASU has entirely shaped my experience as a student leader because it’s consistently been the best space on campus for me to make my visions come to life and push the limits of my imagination and capabilities.
HC: What can you tell us about the annual 850 Night Market event?
NC: AASU collaborated with Club Down Under for our 2nd annual 850 Night Market event! AASU-affiliated organizations tabled and sold merchandise, displayed activities, and shared their culture. There was free food, and an amazing lineup of student performances! Personally, this is my favorite AASU event and it was such a success.
HC: What would you like to tell students who may be on the fence about joining an identity-based union on campus?
NC: If you are a student who is on the fence or even slightly interested in joining an identity-based organization or student union on campus, I really encourage you to try it out! All events are free, and all students are welcome! It’s always intimidating to try something new, but I think you’ll see once you come to an AASU event, that it really is an amazing and welcoming community where anyone can find their place!
HC: Looking to the future, how do you think your time at Florida State will help you reach your goals?
NC: My time at Florida State will definitely help me reach my goals. The skills I’ve gained from leading AASU have made me a more confident leader and there is a plethora of transferable skills for any industry like time management, organization and a strong work ethic. In the future, I hope that my life continues to reflect what I’ve been striving for throughout my time at FSU- to pursue things that I’m passionate about, cultivate community, and serve others!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!