Fullerton College will hold its seventh annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. in room 224.

This year’s keynote theme is “Dismantling the model minority myth: Addressing the ‘invisible’ Asian American and Pacific Islander student experience.”

This event is an educational forum where students will debunk myths of AAPI students being “invisible,” being labeled as the “model minority” and other misconceptions. It will also show that AAPI students have a voice and that they, too, struggle like everyone else and deserve to have equal access to services that will help them succeed.

“While there is prosperity to celebrate within the AAPI community, sadly there is also injustice, discrimination and inequality that exists for these students” said Director of Student Activities, Naomi Q. Abesamis.

According Abesamis, there will be student panel speakers who will share experiences from LGBTIQ and DACA students, and the stigma of mental health in AAPI communities.

As stated by Abesamis, there is a common belief that all AAPI students are high achievers and therefore do not need specialized services.

The forum is cosponsored by the Cadena Cultural Center, the Transfer Center and the Asian & Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association.

“Our hopes in hosting an event in the fall semester is to begin building membership, raising funds for student scholarships and hosting the first AAPIA event at Fullerton College and have rotating events at other district sites,” said Abesamis.

“By spring semester, we hope to branch out and host student events at Cypress, NOCE or at District with the strong possibility of having a cultural graduation for AAPI students.”