Recently, there has been an influx of acronyms used to group different demographics of people under one umbrella term. The Asian American community has especially experienced this, ranging from AAPI to APIDA and more. While these terms are created under the pretense of inclusion, there is still work to be done in digging beyond language to understand its meaning and intention.

Ethnoburbs, a multi-ethnic suburban area, have long been talked about positively as a cultural hub and safe haven for ethnic minorities. Despite the positives it brings to different communities, it poses problems of complacency and ignorance when taken for granted.

Shohei Ohtani, widely regarded as the face of baseball in America, has the world talking once again after signing a historic $700 million contract. Ohtani’s groundbreaking career and contract goes beyond baseball for the Asian and Asian American community. For many aspiring athletes of Asian descent, Ohtani’s presence in professional sports resists long-standing stereotypes and serves as a testament that everyone has the ability to make it big.

UCLA APIDA student organizations work to ensure everyone feels like they belong. What they do with the community they build is just as important, as many organizations foster camaraderie alongside raising awareness about issues regarding social justice in the APIDA community on and off campus.