#01. Jasper Chen, My Gift to America
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My gift to America is my commitment to honor my Chinese roots while advocating for Asian Americans to be recognized in American history and the K-12 curriculum. I have celebrated my culture since childhood. Attending a Chinese immersion school in Arizona deepened my appreciation for my heritage and strengthened my sense of self. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in anti-Asian hate highlighted the need for education about our community. I partnered with the Vail Preservation Society to create a video on Chinese water boys, now part of Tucson second-grade lessons, and testified in Arizona for AAPI curriculum inclusion. After moving to Maryland, I continued advocating, testifying for AAPI curriculum and educating peers. For National History Day, I highlighted Asian soldiers in the Civil War, addressing their exclusion from history. I strive for a future where Asian American contributions are celebrated as integral to the American experience.