Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) junior Joseph Yuen studies biology with concentrations in botany, environmental science, and field biology while working part-time in PBA’s Writing Central tutoring office. Learn more about him and his heritage below.
Where are you from?
I am from New City, New York. My mom is from Korea, and my dad was born in the United States with heritage from China.
What is the significance of APAHM to you?
APAHM is meaningful to me as it allows me to grow closer to my roots. APAHM events, social media posts, and stories that share cultural history highlights the distinctions between Asian [and] Pacific Islander cultures that may go under appreciated.
How do you think your cultural background has influenced or shaped you?
My cultural heritage has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic. I have also learned to be independent. Both of my parents have always encouraged independence by facilitating problem-solving skills as opposed to fixing or solving things for me, aiding in my growth as an individual.
Do you or your family have any cultural traditions that are meaningful to you?
Lunar New Year is the biggest tradition that my family upholds. We celebrate the new year with Chinese and Korean food [including] Japchae, a traditional Korean dish that is made at holiday or celebratory events, and as much family that we can gather. Japchae consists of glass noodles made from sweet potato starch mixed with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce.
Has your cultural background influenced your academic or career choices here at PBA? If so, how?
The strong emphasis on education that my heritage possesses has encouraged me to pursue a degree that I find interesting as well as challenging. I really enjoy learning more about the aspects of God’s creation and how humans can make a positive impact on the stewardship of it. I have always been fascinated with nature, and getting to have hands-on experience with organizations that support conservation and restoration through my classes is great opportunity to grow in my love and knowledge of the environment.
Is there someone from your cultural background who inspires you?
Laufey is a half-Icelandic, half-Chinese musician whom I find very inspiring. Music is one of my favorite hobbies and her music has influenced my music taste as well as performance aspects. I took piano lessons for about eight years in my childhood. I taught myself how to play the guitar in high school and still play both instruments frequently. I am also involved with three of PBA’s vocal ensembles and sing for campus events!
What’s something you wish people knew about your culture or country of origin?
Many people know and love Chinese food, but I wish more people appreciated Korean food!
Learn more about PBA’s academic programs at https://www.pba.edu/academics/.
