"Growing up in an immigrant Indian-Caribbean family in a neighborhood with few of similar heritages, my cultural connection was limited to a few family stories, photographs, and heirlooms. I felt like I could not connect with my Indian side, comparing myself to my AAPI peers with stronger community ties. During the pandemic, I explored my Indian-Caribbean roots through online research on the Indian diaspora, discovering the history of Indian laborers in the Caribbean whose descendants migrated to the U.S. This exploration deepened my understanding of how migration shapes identities, bridging the gaps I felt in my sense of self. Community is not just something one is born into—it is intentionally created. Engaging in San Diego’s vibrant AAPI communities deepened my appreciation for my Indian heritage and inspired me to build a community so others could feel similarly connected and empowered. As the Political Action Coordinator for the Asian & Pacific-Islander Student Alliance (APSA), ...