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From a 100-level Korean course at Miami to the traditions her family recognizes, the alumna shares how she’s helping bring awareness to Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American heritage and culture at Miami
By Courtney O'Banion, assistant director of social media
Cassie Kim ’92 is a Korean American Miami University alumna originally from Bowling Green, Ohio. She now lives in The Golden City of San Francisco and works as Realtor at Vanguard Properties. She also works for the Department of Emerging Technology in Business and Design at Miami and with international students. When she was a student at Miami, she didn’t observe much diversity.
“Until I took my Korean class, I would go days without seeing another Asian person,” Cassie said.
Since then, the university has worked hard to create a more diverse and inclusive campus community, including the recent launch of the Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Desi (APIDA) American alumni group.
The APIDA alumni group is one of several engagement opportunities offered by the Miami University Alumni Association. The group will host one of many reunions during Alumni Weekend, June 10-11, in Oxford.
These new initiatives excite many alumni like Cassie who want to connect with other Asian and APIDA Miamians, while also helping to educate more people about diverse experiences.
Finding her ‘Why’ at Miami University
When Cassie was in high school, she only applied to smaller schools including Wittenberg University, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Kalamazoo College. Miami University never crossed her mind until her parents suggested she look at a medium-sized school.
“We did have a family friend, their daughter, that had gone to Miami, and she loved it,” Cassie said. “Miami was the last school that I visited on my college tour, which they often say is a good thing.”
She immediately fell in love with the campus, sent in her application, and was accepted. Coming in as an undecided major, she reveled in freshman life. She vividly recalls the friends she met in Porter Hall and takes pride in being part of the South Quad community.
“It’s truly a bonding experience. When we meet other alums, and it doesn’t matter which year you graduated, you always ask, ‘Where did you live freshman year?’” Cassie said, smiling.
She also learned never to step on the seal and still hasn’t to this day.
It wasn’t until her second year that she discovered Miami offered a Korean class. As someone who enjoys learning about different cultures, she registered for the 100-level course. This class helped influence her to become an international studies major.
The professor who taught the 100-, 200-, and 300-level Korean courses also created a Korean group on campus, bringing together Cassie and seven other students with a shared background.
Celebrating Korean and APIDA Heritage and Culture
Proud of her Korean heritage and culture, Cassie is happy that there is a month that’s been dedicated to Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans. It’s a time where she is able to reflect on and celebrate her identity, as well as being a part of the Asian community.
She also says it’s a time for Asians to come together, especially in light of what is going on in the world. It’s a time to stand in unity and also an opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures.
She has some great advice on how people might begin a conversation with those who may not be familiar with the different Asian cultures and traditions. Food is a great starting point to bring others together and build awareness, she said. She also suggests exploring Asian artwork that tells a story to begin to better understand the culture.
As for her culture, one of the traditions she still enjoys is eating noodles on her birthday. It’s a symbol of living a long life. You’re also supposed to do this on your wedding day to signify a long, healthy marriage.
“My parents still call me every year on my birthday and ask if I ate my noodles yet,” Cassie laughs.
Other traditions and customs that Cassie’s family still observe includes not wearing shoes in the home, serving the men first during meals, and eating Rice cake soup called Tteokguk on New Year’s Day for good luck.
Bringing togetherness to Miami
As an involved alumna, Cassie was approached by Miami’s alumni association last year to discuss the launch of a new APIDA alumni group. She thought this was a fantastic idea.
She wants APIDA alumni and students to know that this group is to not only bring together heritages and cultures, but the community is also here to help one another professionally. Whether it’s writing a reference letter, introducing individuals to new connections, or wanting to know where the best Korean restaurant is – they’ll have that support system.
“It’s just one step above just being a part of the Miami family,” Cassie said.
Learn more about the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American group and register for our reunion during Alumni Weekend.