Celebrating AAPI Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) month! ?? There are a few reasons why AAPI Heritage Month is special for me.?

• We’ve all come from somewhere. AAPI recognizes the struggles, experiences, and tribulations of Asian Americans but broadly put, it relates to people of all cultures. A more diverse workplace is a better workplace. In sports, a more diverse team is a more balanced team. We are all better by finding strengths in our differences.?
• Our successes are rooted in the past. We would not be where we are today without the roads paved by others before us including our ancestors. Today, many of us are blessed to have ample opportunities to select from. Let’s remember the sacrifices people made for us to have this life – and thank them if they are around.?
• We have so much more to do. Inequality, discrimination, and hate crimes continue to persist all around the world. We must all continue to raise awareness for the issues and stand together to make our communities stronger.?

Briefly, I’d like to reflect on three values I've learned from my AAPI journey:?

1. Grit: My grandfather came to the U.S. in the 1910’s. He worked in the strawberry fields and after internment camp, he was a gardener. My mother’s father worked for the U.S. Postal Service in San Francisco, delivering mail door to door for 40+ years.?
2. Sacrifice: My father sacrificed a lot to provide to ensure a safe and balanced childhood for my two brothers and me. He worked long hours as a civil engineer, often commuting 2+ hours a day. Yet, he always attended our after-school activities and sporting games.?
3. Humility: My childhood experiences have taught me the importance of this word. While I know I can be direct (one of my leadership traits), I always strive to put others before myself. I also enjoy helping others, and importantly, value deep relationships.?

Let’s all put our hands together and pray for a better future.

Link to previous AAPI post: https://snyk.io/blog/snyker-spotlight-jeff-yoshimura-asian-american-heritage-aapi-month/