NOW Live from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

My name is Tiffany Quebral and I am a junior at the University of California, Irvine in sunny Southern California.  Go Anteaters!  I am currently a history major with a focus in Asian American Studies; interning at the Smithsonian APA Program was such a perfect fit and I truly enjoyed my time here!  The APA Program staff is supportive and enthusiastic about documenting the Asian Pacific American experience at the Smithsonian.  This optimism inspires me to continue my interest and studies in the history and contributions of Asian Americans.

While interning at the Smithsonian APA Program, I was given the opportunity to conduct my own research project.  I studied the history of the 1992 Los Angeles riots and how the concept of polyculturalism, conceived by author Vijay Prashad, could foster dialogue and methods of conflict resolution.

In addition to working on my research project, I was able to work on HomeSpun: The Indian American Heritage Project.  My work on this project included helping develop an online curriculum to compliment the exhibition Speaking Up! I also helped draft a call for oral histories of Indian Americans that will appear on the HomeSpun website.  Lastly, I was given the opportunity to research a subject unique to Indian American culture: Bollywood.

Through the APA Program, I participated in various public programs.  These include Teachers Night, South Asian Literary and Theater Arts Festival (SALTAF), a film screening of John Sayles’ Amigo, and a community focused event entitled Silver Spring Stories: A Conversation about Community and Immigration. These events heightened my interest in Asian American race and ethnic studies. These provided me with a greater outlook and a unique perspective regarding the current issues and challenges that face Asian Americans.

Overall, my experience with the APA Program was remarkable.  I hope that this experience will not completely come to a close as I leave Washington, DC.  I look forward to maintaining close contact with various staff members and to continue my relationship with the program in any way possible—even though I’m 3,000 miles away!