To be labeled as simply “Asian” is really frustrating for me because it overlooks the stark differences in my cultures and the complex, multiethnic struggles that I face in terms of my cultural identity, merely because I am put into one arbitrary racial group.

In terms of race and ethnicity I identify more with my Filipino side than my Korean side. My mother taught me about Filipino culture, food, and language, whereas my dad did not make too much of an effort to expose me to Korean culture. He was much more like: “You are in America, do as the Americans do.”

Coming to Harvard, I struggled to find a home here on campus. I found it in the Filipino Club, even though it is only fifteen or so people. I was actually president of the club, but even as president there were subtle ways that people told me that they didn’t think I was as Filipino as other members. For example, if someone needed a quote for an article, they would go to my co-president, who was straight from the Philippines, rather than me.

I get frustrated when people only assume that I am Korean because that is not reflective of my experience or my identity. By labeling me as Korean, people are missing other important aspects of my identity, by merely judging me by my appearance.

Shannen Deanna Kim

Joshua Robinson

The Portraits

Arianna Kahn