'I researched the disproportionately low voting rates of Asian Americans'

Alexandria Kim

Government & Asian American Studies
Los Angeles, Calif.

What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

On campus, I am a Rawlings Scholar, and my project involves the disproportionately low voting rates of Asian Americans. Granted funding through the Rawlings program, I conducted a nine-week ethnography in Texas to understand how belonging is a fundamental piece of the puzzle for Asian American political participation. I innovatively utilized dating apps and joined church communities to interview and meet people. The Rawlings program has given me many opportunities to pursue what I care most about, Asian American rights. Now, I am writing an honors thesis in the government department that concerns the impact of relational belonging and political participation.

What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?

One of my favorite memories of Cornell was definitely my first Slope Day. My freshman and sophomore Slope Days were canceled because of the pandemic, and I had such a great time with my friends that day, listening to music and hanging out on the slope.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most? How or why?

The Asian American Studies Program influenced my Cornell education the most. Cornell has

one of the only Asian American Studies programs in the country, and I am so grateful. The program has enriched my academic career tremendously, allowing me to take classes I was genuinely interested in and invested in. As an advocate for Asian Americans, I was able to quench my thirst for knowledge, but also use the information that I learned to enact change in my community. Further, I met my dearest friends through the program. I have met so many amazing and supportive people. I am indebted to the program.

Where do you dream to be in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to be a leader for Asian Americans in business, mentoring other Asian Americans in finance and beyond. I hope that I can become a voice for those under a "bamboo ceiling" and share my story as an Asian American.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2023.