When sophomore Emily Wright was a freshman, then-president of Elon’s Asian-Pacific Student Association Ivan Nguyen encouraged her to become involved in the organization.
“I was really hesitant since I’m an Asian adoptee,” Wright said. “I was like ‘Oh I don’t speak Mandarin, I’m not 100% Chinese, I don’t belong there.’”
Now, as Vice President of APSA, Wright helps others connect to their heritage, just like Nguyen did for her.
“A lot of Elon students are adoptees or are half, they don’t look Asian so they don’t think they can explore that side of them,” Wright said.
Wright was one of the three students recognized with individual awards at Light the Way, hosted by the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education to celebrate student accomplishments and honor seniors.
Sophomore Emily Wright presents faculty awards at the Light the Way celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander student achievements May 7 in McKinnon Hall.
Students and faculty submitted nominations for the awards, and winners were selected by a committee. Wright received the brilliance award, which recognizes an impactful sophomore or junior. The award presentation included a list of Wright’s accomplishments as well as quotes from nominators.
“As I was hearing it I was like ‘Wow this person’s really cool,’” Wright said. “And then they started getting more specific and I was like “Oh this might be me.’”
Along with the individual awards and student musical performances, each senior was recognized. They walked down a pathway lined with lanterns, while being honored for their involvement at Elon and future plans.
George Dou, assistant director in the CREDE, helped organize the event. He said this years’ event was particularly emotional, as it is his fourth year at Elon and therefore the first group of seniors he has known since their first year.
“I can’t even really put it into words, it’s been so impactful and meaningful,” Dou said.
Dou said that the students have taught him as much,if not more, as he teaches them.
“One journey that I am making right now is actually to become a therapist, Dou said. “And one of the reasons I chose to do that is seeing the growth in my students.”