15 campus cultural groups meet, team build at leadership retreat

The leaders of 15 Asian and Asian-American student organizations gathered inside and outside Read Center for their annual student leadership retreat, hoping to build relationships within and between the different cultural groups.

Among the groups represented were the Filipino Student Association, the Asian Business Society and the Asian Student Union.

Starting the morning with introductions and icebreakers such as the “rock, paper, scissors throw down,” the students gained insight and knowledge as well as skills to practice responsible leadership.

“(The purpose of the retreat) is to meet new people and network with different organizations, as well as do some team building,” said senior Dorrie Blando.
The retreat has been held at Bradford Woods as an ongoing tradition since 1999, but they could not afford it this year.

“There are no funds in our budget to support this activity; we rely on co-sponsorships,” said Melanie Castillo-Cullather, director of the Asian Cultural Center.

Other than team building, discussions were held throughout the day in mini and large group settings. Castillo-Cullather said the main goals of the discussion were to “equip students with the knowledge about campus resources and opportunities and know the right contacts, engage students in campus life in effective ways as well as explore how Asian values affect personal leadership styles and foster the development of self-concept.”

Education professor Joel Wong gave a talk on this topic to the student leaders.

Also included in the retreat was a question-and-answer session with a panel of student representatives from various student organizations such as the Student Athletic Board, IU Student Foundation, Indiana Daily Student, Indiana Memorial Union Board, IU Student Association and International Alumni Relations. Representatives participated in a balloon tower building challenge alongside the student organizations.

“There is a panel so we can ask questions to all of the organizations,” said senior Brandon Tran. “It is a good opportunity to get support and help, as well as network.”
With faith in the organizations to keep up during the year and after talking to students, Castillo-Cullather considers the retreat as time well spent.

“I would consider today’s retreat a success,” she said. “Everyone felt that they came away learning something new that will not only benefit themselves but also the organizations they represent.”