By Ryan Ryu’25
On Sunday, April 14, 2024, over 400 Asian and Asian American students and faculty members representing 43 independent schools in New England gathered at the 13th annual Asian American Footsteps Conference (AAFC), hosted by the Governor’s Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts. Among them was a group of Highlanders, each bringing their unique perspectives and voices to this vibrant gathering, enriching the collective experience.
The AAFC, now in its thirteenth year, has a rich history of empowering and celebrating Asian and Asian American students. It was founded in 2011 by Aya Murata, a visionary leader and advocate for Asian and Asian American students. Murata, now a College Counselor at Phillips Andover, previously served as an Advisor to Asian and Asian American Students at Andover. Her vision was to create a supportive community where Asian-identifying students could connect with and celebrate their cultural heritage. Since its inception, the conference has grown in size and scope, and it has been hosted by esteemed institutions such as St. Mark’s School, Phillips Exeter Academy, The Hotchkiss School, Deerfield Academy, and St. Paul’s School. Today, AAFC remains a vital platform for empowerment and cultural exploration.
The AAFC’s mission to provide a space for personal and collective growth for Asian, Asian American, and mixed-heritage Asian students is at the heart of its significance. This year’s theme, ‘Creating Our Narrative,’ inspired attendees to delve into their identities and traditions and how they can affect positive change within their communities. The conference offered a diverse array of workshops and activities, each designed to foster introspection and dialogue, leading to personal empowerment.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of workshops tailored to their interests and needs. With over 40 options available, sessions such as “Affirmative Action and Asian American Students,” “Thriving Asians, Mental Wellness Expanded,” “Asian Pop Fusion Fest: Celebrating Asian Culture & Identity Through Dance,” and “Breaking Barriers: Asian Student Athletes’ Journey in Sports” provided valuable insights and connections. These workshops were designed to foster introspection and dialogue and offered practical strategies for navigating the unique challenges faced by Asian and Asian American students.
Elizabeth Tu ’25, reflecting on her experience, shared, “In AAFC, people were willing to listen and understood that strange mix of ups and downs I had as an international Asian student in an American boarding school: the feeling of not being acknowledged or even seen in the community, the duality of shame and pride I feel for my differences, and most importantly, the constant pressure to assimilate while grappling with a strong desire to remain loyal to my own culture. Thus, for me, AAFC was a conference more about ‘empathy’ than anything else. Waking up at 6 in the morning was worth it! I also want to thank Mr. Poole for driving 6 hours (to and back) for the conference. It must have been exhausting!” Her experience is a testament to the transformative power of AAFC.
Excitement is already building for next year’s AAFC, which will be hosted at Tabor Academy. Students from the Frederick Gunn School who identify with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are encouraged to participate actively by hosting workshops or simply attending to explore the diverse perspectives and identities that AAFC continues to illuminate.
The 13th Asian American Footsteps Conference was a transformative and empowering experience for all attendees, including the Highlanders from the Frederick Gunn School. The conference provided them a platform to share their unique perspectives and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. As AAFC looks towards its next chapter at Tabor Academy, the legacy of fostering cultural understanding and personal growth remains strong.
