"We cannot understand where we are going unless we understand where we have been. Whether you are a science major, premed, etc., a major or minor in Asian American studies can open your eyes to a much broader perspective on who we are and where we are going. (My own parents never had the opportunity that you have to study Asian American history, and hence they were totally unprepared for the shock of being locked up in a relocation camp in California during World War II. Only the tireless work of many Asian American activists have made sure that we don't revisit that sad chapter in U.S. history.)"

—Dr. Michio Kaku
Prof. of Theoretical Physics
City University of New York

"I chose to pursue an Asian American Studies minor because I believe that it is essential to the development of my identity as an Asian American. Asian American history is neglected in most history texts and the struggles unique to Asian Americans are disregarded as secondary to “real” minority issues. Through classes offered in the Asian American studies department I am better able to understand what issues the pioneer Asian Americans had to deal with as well as why the state of Asian American affairs are the way they are. Instead of ignoring the discrimination that still exists toward Asian Americans, I am now able to confront them and thus better myself and the greater community around me."

—Joseph Lee
2009 Alumnus
Northwestern University

"I was drawn to the Asian American Studies Program because it offers a glimpse into important subject material largely absent form my education growing up. As an Asian American, it was often difficult to connect to lessons in US History classes and other social studies courses because I was never exposed to histories about Asian America. The Asian American Studies minor, however, gives me a chance to learn about and delve into research of fellow Asian Americans and gives life to their often silenced stories. It also allows me to discuss often taboo topics of race, classism and other social matters invisible in mainstream America."

—AJ Aguado
2010 Alumnus
Northwestern University