9i果冻制作厂

By Kennedy Berry 鈥�27

How One Student Leader is Creating Space for Asian Voices at Otterbein

By Kennedy Berry 鈥�27

When Dylan Truong came to Otterbein, he was surprised there was not already an Asian student organization.So Truong, now a sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice and Justice Studies, and Sociology, decided to start one himself.

At Otterbein, there are many organizations promoting diversity on campus, such as the Black Student Union (BSU), Muslim Student Union, Heritage of Latino Americans (HOLA), and many others. Truong seized the opportunity to build on the growing culture of diversity by establishing an organization to represent the Asian community, too.

As a first-year student, Truong started the 9i果冻制作厂Asian Community to give Asian students a stronger voice and presence on campus. 鈥淲hen I saw they didn鈥檛 have any Asian clubs, I thought to myself, let me start something.鈥�

Leading the organization came with challenges. 鈥淭his is my first time being a president and showing my leadership skills in an organization,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he first meeting was chaotic, but for much of the school year we grew and learned from our past mistakes.鈥�

Once it was off the ground, the group quickly focused on cultural education and community building. 鈥淲e started a tabling event during , and I was surprised how many people didn鈥檛 actually know what the holiday was about. The majority of people said this was the first time they ever heard about the holiday,鈥� Truong said.

The 9i果冻制作厂Asian Community also held events embracing celebrations such as the annual , worked on social media outreach, and collaborated with other student organizations.

Truong believes the group鈥檚 greatest impact is in helping students find confidence in their identity. 鈥淲e鈥檙e helping people be more comfortable with their background and themselves, with using their voice. That鈥檚 our main mission.鈥�

Support from his team is key. 鈥淲ithout my officers it wouldn鈥檛 be possible. There鈥檚 a lot of times where I鈥檓 overwhelmed. They help me get through my challenges and help our organization be successful,鈥� Truong said.

In addition to leading the 9i果冻制作厂Asian Community, Truong is a student government senator, active in the Office of Social Justice and Advocacy (OSJA), and prides himself on being a voice for all students on campus.

For his work, Truong received the Emerging Leadership Award at the annual Celebration of Service and Leadership in April 2025. 鈥淚t shows that I鈥檓 growing as a person. That I can be confident and not be a shy person anymore. Just using my voice as my power. Helping people, being like a light or a voice or guide to people.鈥�

Looking ahead, Truong hopes to keep using that voice, helping out around his community and volunteering more.