week 1: origin

wow! what a wonderful week it was. although i have only spent one week with rising voices, i can joyfully say i have no complaints. a loving community immediately greeted me at the rv celebration event with fun games and engaging activities. from getting my face painted to a heated game of "rock-paper-scissors," i was filled with happiness and laughter. the event truly captured a feeling of togetherness between myself and the asian american community; a feeling that has been more difficult to find in recent years. safe to say, i cannot wait for more events!​

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following the celebration, i was able to meet with each fellow through zoom! as the week continued, i was able to speak with more people and get to know each person better as well as their life stories and experiences. our contrasting experiences are one of the many reasons being asian american is so endearing. collectively, we are a part of one community but our stories are so different that as i listen, i am able to learn from every single person. each day i find a new reason to appreciate this community, and i cannot wait to see my connection deepen after this fellowship <3