Throughout Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), Austin Community College (ACC) sits down with faculty and staff to learn about their AAPI heritage and discuss what the month means to them.

To view AAPI activities, talks, and workshops happening at the college throughout the month and other resources, visit ACC’s AAPI Heritage Month webpage.

Asha Vasudevan Pillai

Asha Vasudevan Pillai is a data warehouse administrator for Institutional Research & Analytics who started at ACC in 2018. 

What is your heritage and what is your favorite way to celebrate it?
I was born and raised in the city of Bangalore, the “Silicon City of India.” India has a rich and diverse cultural heritage with many traditions, festivals, and customs.

My favorite way to celebrate my Indian heritage is celebrating Diwali (the Festival of Lights) with family, friends, and Indian Cuisine. Diwali is India’s most important festival of the year—a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. During Diwali, people wear their finest clothes; illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with lights, diyas (candles), flowers, and rangoli (colorful patterns); light fireworks; and share gifts.

What is one personal or professional accomplishment you are most proud of?
I was offered to relocate to the United States by my previous company (headquartered in Colorado) for a critical application migration in 2015. My amazing and supportive family gave me the strength to weather any storm that came my way.

Why do you believe it’s important for the college to commemorate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made significant contributions to the United States in various fields, such as science, arts, politics, sports, and more. Recognizing and celebrating their achievements can help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses.

Additionally, AAPI Heritage Month provides an opportunity for colleges to educate their students on the history and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This can help promote understanding, empathy, and respect for different cultures and perspectives.

I had never thought that life abroad could have such a big impact on my outlook on life — but through all the tears and homesickness, moving overseas was the most rewarding experience of my life. Not only did I gain essential life skills and amazing friends, but also a new perspective, and it pushed me to be a better person. I am proud of the person that I have become through overcoming challenges.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
It is important to stay true to your values and beliefs and not compromise them for anyone else.

There are many things in life that are beyond our control, and it is important to focus on what we can control and let go of the rest.

What advice would you give to our Asian American & Pacific Islander students?
My advice to Asian American & Pacific Islander students is to embrace your identity and connect with your community. Take advantage of resources that can include counseling services, mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and more. Make use of these resources to enhance your academic and personal success. College is a time to explore your interests and passions. Pursue activities and opportunities that excite you and align with your career goals. Take advantage of internships, research opportunities, and other experiences that can help you build your skills and prepare for your future. I wish you all the best in your journey.

How do you work to support the AAPI community?
I volunteer for various nonprofit organizations that strive to promote awareness, understanding, and respect for diverse cultures. They offer well-structured programs for the growth of individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, like meditation camps, improving efficiency workshops, and tips for happy living study group.

I also support and volunteer with a nonprofit organization that has more than 50 chapters across three continents and whose mission is to catalyze socioeconomic change through the education of underprivileged children.

Yuki Burt

Yuki Burt is a success coach at the Cypress Creek Campus.

What is your heritage and what is your favorite way to celebrate it?
I am from Kyoto, Japan. I love celebrating New Year with my friends and family. We clean the house and make special good luck foods for the New Year. Having good food with good company is my favorite way to celebrate.   

Why do you believe it’s important for the college to commemorate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
I feel it’s important for ACC to celebrate and increase awareness of the AAPI community because we are very diverse within the community. Under the “model minority” stereotype, some of us suffer from economic hardships, mental health issues, violence, and racism against the community. It is important for all of us to be aware of and respect all kinds of cultures and ethnicities so we can work together. 

What is one personal or professional accomplishment you are most proud of?
I came to the U.S. as a high school exchange student when I was 17. I did not speak English well, my parents did not go to college, and they remained in Japan. Sometimes, it was a challenge to navigate college in the U.S., but I never gave up. I also loved meeting people from all over the world; I did not have much opportunity to do so growing up in Japan. I wanted to work as a professional who can help others going through life challenges, so I am happy and proud that I work as a success coach at ACC. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I have two: “Don’t take anything personally” and “Don’t make assumptions” (from “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz). 

What advice would you give to our Asian American & Pacific Islander students?
I am big on self-care, so I would say treat yourself as you treat your best friend. I feel like it is not encouraged in my culture, but it is very important. You can’t pour from an empty cup.  

How do you work to support the AAPI community?
How I approach my students is I don’t assume anything. I ask questions and try to get to know each individual. I am open-minded and curious. Since I am new to ACC, I haven’t been involved much in the AAPI community here, but I am so grateful to the AAPI Cultural Center, which hosts many interesting events. 

Eriko Tyner

Eriko Tyner (she/her/hers) has worked at ACC for 7.5 years as an advising supervisor at Riverside Campus.

What is your heritage and what is your favorite way to celebrate it?
My heritage is Japanese, and I love celebrating my heritage by speaking the language and teaching the culture to my son. It could be a small thing like taking our shoes off in the house, bowing when greeting, reading Japanese children’s books, and eating cultural food. We attend events that are hosted by AJC (Austin Japan Community) to experience the community and connection to the culture and people. 

What is one personal or professional accomplishment you are most proud of?
I moved to the U.S. from Japan in 2006 by myself to attend college. I have since completed my bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and my license to be a LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker). Moving to another country by myself without speaking the language or knowing the culture was the most challenging experience I’ve had. It made me the person that I am now — strong, confident, and stable.

Why do you believe it’s important for the college to commemorate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
I believe it is important for the college to commemorate AAPI Heritage Month because our population is often ignored, forgotten, and not cared for. We represent so many countries that many people do not know anything about. We must raise cultural awareness and find our voice in society, and the opportunity to commemorate by having events helps us do that. The stereotypes and biases can be overwhelming, and I believe that ongoing dialogue can help us overcome them. 

What is the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned?
The most valuable life lesson I’ve learned is that I can be proud of who I am and my culture, and no one can tell me otherwise. I experienced and witnessed discrimination and micro-aggressions when I moved to the U.S., which made me feel that I had to forget about my culture and change myself to adapt to the “norm.” I once thought that it was necessary to not speak Japanese, not learn more about Japanese culture and history, and not “act like Asians” so that I could be accepted into a group of “friends” in college. It took me several years to learn that I was wrong and that I could appreciate where I came from and who I am. Your culture is beautiful and necessary! 

What advice would you give to our Asian American & Pacific Islander students?
Typically, AAPI students are looked at as “high-achieving” students who do not have high needs. That is not true all the time for everyone, and we recognize that. Please seek help when needed. You don’t have to “fit” the expectations and stereotypes that you think society has for you. If you are going through something similar to what I went through, I would like to say that you don’t have to fight for your identity. Be YOU! 

How do you work to support the AAPI community?
I support Japanese students by conducting our advising sessions in Japanese to make them feel welcome and supported. I attend events for the AAPI community in the Austin area, engage with AAPI students and the community at ACC, and support however I can. 

Read last year’s AAPI Heritage Month interview series HERE.

To participate or nominate a colleague for ACC’s Asian American & Pacific Islander interview series, email [email protected].