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 ABOUT OUR ALUMNI  

Alumni of Asian American Studies apply their education across a wide variety of careers and interests. Graduates become educators (elementary and high school teachers, student affairs professionals, university faculty, or independent scholars), social workers, artists, health/medical professionals, public health advocates and policy makers, entrepreneurs/business leaders, engineers, legal advocates, and community organizers, leaders, and activists, to name a few. Whatever their career paths, ASAM graduates take with them a holistic educational experience aimed toward creativity, self-determination, civic mindedness, and lifelong learning. Alumni draw from their ASAM education not only to adapt to changing job markets but also to shape their careers and lifelong development. ASAM graduates envision and work toward fostering healthy communities and a just society and world. The sensitivity and attachment to community that ASAM graduates develop lead many alumni to give back to current ASAM students through mentoring, contributing financially to the department, and participating in departmental initiatives.

Alumni Testimonies

My name is Quyen Le, and I am a CSUF ASAM alumna from 2013. Currently, I am a graduate school applicant in the hopes of becoming an ethnic studies professor someday. Like many people, I did not come into college expecting to pursue Asian-American Studies, but something clicked for me the first time I ever took an ethnic studies class. This program made me the person I am today. It reaffirmed an intrinsic belief that the world is good place, and that there is always space for healing and growth. ASAM is my home and the love of my life; I am grateful to have been found by it.

-Quyen Le, Class of 2013

Declaring a major in Asian American Studies was the best decision of my undergraduate experience at Cal State Fullerton. Whether I am planning festivals for Little Tokyo or out with friends, the ASAM curriculum at CSUF has provided me with a foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills that I use every day. I recommend the major or minor to any student that wants to enhance their college experience with a caring and accessible faculty as well as a curriculum that will encourage and challenge them to think deeper.

-Kent Marume
Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Community Engagement Manager

Alumni Profiles

Tracey Nguyen, BA ASAM & Psychology, 2020

What are you doing currently?
Pursuing my Master's in Mental Health Clinical Counseling; Interning at Orange Coast College's Student Health Center

How has the program impacted who you are today?
Taking classes in Asian American Studies and Ethnic Studies have helped to inform my purpose and mission for my future career. As a double major in Psychology and Asian American Studies, I was able to recognize the need for more accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services for the Asian community. I understood the stigma surrounding mental health in many Asian cultures and became conscious of the systemic barriers that make it difficult to receive help in America as an immigrant. As a result, my mission is to stay connected with my community, promote wellness, and advocate for more access to care for marginalized communities.

Tracey Nguyen

Miguel Tanjuakio

Miguel Tanjuakio, BA ASAM & Communications, 2023

What are you doing currently?
Communication Studies, M.A. Graduate Student and Teaching Associate at Cal State Northridge (CSUN)

How has the program impacted who you are today?
Even though I didn't enter CSUF with the intention of being an ethnic studies major, declaring an ASAM major was one of the most impactful decisions of my time in college. Taking classes taught by professors who looked like me, studying content that felt relevant to my lived experiences, and forming relationships with others in the department really opened my eyes to the importance of ethnic studies for all students. Being an ASAM major has helped inform a more critical view of the world around me, and I would strongly recommend taking ASAM classes. You'll be surprised by what you learn!