AAPI Month: Q&A with CiCi Yuan

Riverside, Calif. (May 21, 2024) – In honor of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Month, we are excited to highlight members who are an important part of the Lancer Nation.

To wrap up our series, we chatted with CiCi Yuan, coordinator of international programs for International Student and Scholar Services at California Baptist University.

What does AAPI Month mean to you?

The United States is a country with diverse cultures and races. It has encouraged more immigrants to celebrate their culture here. It is a great way for me to embrace and share my culture with people of various backgrounds. More importantly for me, is to treasure the memories and learn from earlier Asian generations who have dedicated their hard work to this land.

Why is it important that we celebrate AAPI Month?

AAPI month represents a way to highlight Asian and Pacific Islander culture and history, and to recognize Asian voices, accomplishments and contributions to the U.S. It is also a channel for allies to better understand and learn about Asian culture, helping eliminate discrimination against minorities and value every unique culture in the US.

Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity?

I grew up in mainland China. My Chinese culture is deeply rooted and affects my life in many ways. Chinese culture values a harmonious life, living in benevolence with people in society, courteous to one another and following the rules in the community. Chinese are very hospitable and friendly, especially during the Lunar New Year Festival. We celebrate and reunite with family and friends from all over China. Chinese culture has taught me to respect and collaborate well with people of many cultures.

What role does your faith play in celebrating cultural heritage?

God has created all of us as His family in Christ but gave each of us a unique identity. We celebrate our own cultural heritage through the lens of Christ to honor God’s creation. “The Lord does not see as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (Samuel 16:7) Faith has played an important role in allowing us to connect with each other, to deeply understand traditions and to respect culture diversity from each other. It has unified and harmonized our individual backgrounds through Christ.

Who has served as an inspiration to you? My family has inspired me ever since I was a child. My grandma has been a role model for me and has taught me to treat people with great compassion. She demonstrated to me “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (John 4:18). She always told me to love people with a genuine heart.

My parents have been a great inspiration for me to have perseverance, integrity and commitment. Both grew up during a difficult time in China, studying and surviving in life.  They have shown me how to overcome difficult life circumstances. Instead of complaining, their generation worked very hard to pursue knowledge through a lifetime and strived for a better life to take care of their family. 

How do you live your purpose in your role at CBU?

I enjoy being with students and inspiring them to step out of their comfort zone to see a bigger world. Working at the CBU International Center has given me opportunities to understand different cultures and perspectives. It helped me to foster my global perspective and strengthen my communication skills to take care of our international students and partners who are helping them to get through their transition smoothly at CBU. It also gives me the chance to share Asian culture through our campus, like the Lunar New Year Celebration at CBU.