Walking through the halls of Malden High School, you will hear different languages, see different cultures, and meet students with stories from all around the world. However, even in such a diverse community, many Asian American and Pacific islanders are often overlooked or misunderstood. This is one reason that the AAPI Heritage month matters. It is more than just a celebration; it is a time for students and families to proudly share who they are, where they come from, and the traditions that shape their lives. Everyone deserves a special time that is especially for them, where their voices and experiences can truly be recognized. At Malden High school and local schools, students expressed their thoughts about what the AAPI Heritage month means to them.
Sophomore Janbi Thapas, a Nepali student at Malden High school, shared , “people don’t always fully understand or respect our culture.” She explained that some families also struggle with language barriers, which can make schools and healthcare more difficult. Even with these challenges, Thapas stated that she feels most connected to her culture during Nepali festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. Other students also discussed the importance of representation and understanding.
Freshman Junran Cui said that Chinese New Year is one tradition that means the most to him because it brings family together through food, fun and celebration. Cui added on by saying that many people do not think much about Asian communities or their experiences. “I feel like every race should have a month all to themselves,” Cui said.
Another student at Malden High School, Prahlad Karthik, shared that AAPI students help shape the community through clubs, volunteering, and school activities. He also explained that stereotypes about Asians being “smart” may sound positive, but they can still unfairly put all Asians into one group.
Helal Askarzai, a student from Beebe school, explained that schools often only talk about countries like China, Japan, or Korea when discussing Asia. “Countries like Afghanistan, India and Nepal should also be recognized more often.”
Even younger students shared similar feelings; seven-year-old Weyar Khan proudly spoke about his culture, highlighting foods like Qabli Palau, family time, and music. “I like being Asian,” Khan said. The stories shared by these students show that AAPI heritage month is more than just learning history; It’s about celebrating people, cultures, traditions, and identities. It reminds people that every culture matters and every community deserves to feel seen and respected. In a diverse city like Malden, listening to these stories can help students better understand and appreciate the many cultures that surround them.
About the Author
