AALEADers visit University of Maryland-College Park!

By Shobana Modur, DC Middle and High School Program Coordinator

Photos courtesy of AALEAD Staff

On Saturday, January 31st, the DC, MD, and VA High School AALEADers visited the University of Maryland-College Park, hosted by the Filipino Cultural Association (FCA).  After a couple of warm-ups and introductory games, we took a tour of the beautiful campus.  FCA members took us through the popular Stamp Student Union, McKeldin Library, and gave us a glimpse of life as a Terrapin.  Youth also had the opportunity to check out one of the classrooms and UMD’s large sports arena.

During the college panel, youth had the opportunity to have all of their questions answered about everything from the college application process to living in the dorms, as well as college life from the perspective of an Asian-American.  Jumping from the college panel, FCA set some time to discuss racism, prejudice, and social injustice found not only in high schools and colleges, but all over America.  Youth shared their own experiences about racism and intolerance, but we all found a common ground in the fact that we’re not alone.  All in all, youth were grateful to have spent the day and toured University of Maryland through an Asian-American perspective.
Special thanks to the UMD-Filipino Cultural Association for coordinating a great day spent in College Park, MD and to the amazing AALEADers who always come armed with curiosity.