For recent Fresno State graduate Sarah Vue, a traditional Hmong soup called khao poon not only connects her with her culture, but also Fresno State’s newest undergraduate degree, Asian American and Asian Studies.
The spicy, rice noodle soup made with coconut milk, curry and other spices served as the ideal subject for a writing course assignment because of its deeper meaning and family connection.
“Food can be a form of love and communication for any culture,” Vue said, “and for me, that soup feels like a hug from my mom. Once I learned how to prepare it so it tasted exactly like hers, it truly became my favorite. There’s an extra pride that I have in knowing that I can make one of her favorite dishes for her.”
Vue, already a health administration major, saw the importance of taking more courses through the Asian American Studies Program to better understand herself; the roots of her parents, who had immigrated in the 1970s from Thailand and Laos; and others in the Central Valley and around the world.
After taking an Asian American community health course, she has worked as an intern with Elder Abuse Services Inc. and Central California Heart and Lung Surgery. Those experiences have also spotlighted challenges that both new and established immigrants might face when trying to navigate the complex American health system.
“Surgical procedures are intimidating, so when I see an Asian American patient walk in,” Vue said, “I will see a smile appear on their face (when they see me) because there is a connection in seeing someone who looks like you. I want to help and answer their questions so they understand how important their physical and mental health is, and how important it is to take care of oneself. I know Asian Americans can be scared of what the doctor may tell them, especially if English is something they already struggle with. But I believe a familiar face can create a feeling of comfort.”
Vue is one of several Fresno State students from across campus who are recipients of the first Asian American and Asian studies bachelor’s degrees, only a few of which are offered nationwide.
Other students who had their degrees conferred last December include Blossom Bhatti and Saul Corona Cortez. At least eight more students intend to graduate with the degree in spring 2026. These students all have additional undergraduate majors tied to anthropology, liberal studies, or media, communications and journalism.
“This is a culturally competent major that pairs well with psychology, education, nursing, social work, media, business or other degrees,” said Dr. Jenny Banh, professor and coordinator of the Asian American Studies Program. “It is also one of the only Central Valley-focused expertise majors as students will have both intimate local and global knowledge of Asian Americans and Asian diasporas. The drive for this multidisciplinary degree was pushed for by students, staff and faculty so students could utilize this knowledge to better serve and uplift their families, communities and society.”
The program is additionally helping students like Vue broaden their experience outside the classroom.
This past September, she helped Banh organize a successful gala (see video) that attracted almost 500 people to celebrate the new degree. Vue has also served as a research assistant for developing the degree curriculum and a new book by Banh, “Fantasies of Hong Kong Disneyland.”
Now Vue is considering getting a post-graduate degree so she can become a mentor to other students.
“Dr. Banh has been such an important mentor for my future and other students,” Vue said. “She has helped us understand what resources are available through the university and how education brings communities together. This degree has become a guiding compass for me to learn about the many Asian cultures, and challenges they have overcome that impact the world today because Asian American history is part of America’s history.”
