About Me: Who am I? What inspired me?

As an Asian American and possessing an Indonesian last name, driving change in AAPI related topics has always creeped into my mind. Yet, nothing destined to be done about it - thus far. So, let's change that.

Hello, my name is Henry Widjaja and I am a sophomore at Cupertino High School of Cupertino, CA. 6 years leading up to my move to Cupertino, as a student of Potomac, MD, topics about the integration of the AAPI population set into my mind. A student immersed in the topic of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, specifically the exclusion felt by such a group of people, my thoughts point to raise awareness for this cause. An Asian American orchestra student surrounded by many orchestra students of AAPI descent, I felt comfortable. Though, it felt...too comfortable. Really, an honor to be part of that orchestra, and I emphasize that I send my thanks to every single musician I have worked with for making it an amazing experience, a cellist myself working with amazing other cellists. Yet the tranquility and smooth normalcy of those experiences, I wondered.

Despite the balanced diversity of my middle school, namely Cabin John Middle, a point I kept thinking of: elsewhere in life, non-balanced diversity. It flooded my mind often. The proof of my point, as I engage into the community of Cupertino, CA, come true as my presumed unequal diversities elsewhere show itself in a high school of ~70% Asian and Pacific Islander descent. But, the proof of my point, true in the public response to the COVID-19 pandemic, shown in the form of violence.

Inspiration of what I want to make known stems from this one point and the impact of a change it has made portrays itself in every AAPI incident that has occurred. Forthcoming will be the beginning of what I aim to start: the AAπ Awareness Project.