Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month: Spotlight on Business Student Camille Kimoto
In honor of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, the Fowler College of Business News Team is highlighting students to help spotlight the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our community and in the United States. Exceptional student Camille Kimoto (Junior, Marketing) shares what Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month means to her, her cultural background, experiences at SDSU, and more.
Are you someone in the Asian American or Pacific Islander community who is interested in telling your story? Email [email protected] for the chance to be featured!
Background
Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
Why did you choose to attend San Diego State University?
I chose to attend SDSU because when I walked onto campus, I immediately loved the community and location. I knew I wanted to attend a big university where I’d be challenged to move out of my comfort zone. I also knew that I wanted to meet new people who weren’t from Hawaii.
Why did you choose to get a degree in marketing from the Fowler College of Business? Please describe your experience thus far.
I chose to major in marketing because I’ve always loved learning how to advertise and promote a business. After participating in my internship in 2019, I knew this was the place for me! My experience with the Fowler College of Business has been amazing. The professors, in marketing especially, are very helpful and passionate and no one can top our amazing advisors!!
PISA's annual high school conference that it hosts every fall to welcome Pacific Islander high schoolers to learn about culture and ways to obtain their education at SDSU.
As a student leader involved with organizations at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far? Is there a particular organization that has had a profound impact on your college experience?
The Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) was my home from the start. I found myself a family through this organization because of the experiences we all share, the culture, and most importantly…the food haha. I got involved with PISA because I knew I wanted to still participate in hula and share my culture that I grew up around my whole life. Finding your “home” on campus seemed so silly to me, but I can confidently say that’s where I have found my people!
SDSU Ambassadors was an organization I only dreamt of joining when I toured SDSU. Their energy is amazing as well as the overall professionalism that they expect from me as an ambassador. This organization challenged me in ways that I didn’t know possible! It makes me so happy to help prospective students and their families on tours and during summer orientation. The little impact leaves a lasting impression on each and every one of them when they decide to attend SDSU and it’s such a cool thing to be involved with!
What is your favorite memory from SDSU?
My favorite memory at SDSU was when one of the prospective students’ dad invited me to take a picture with his daughter and her friend (they were also of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent, so this was special for me!). I wasn’t even the ambassador giving the tour but they were so interested to know about my experience, so we spoke after the tour and he took that picture. So cute!
What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
The best advice I received during my time at SDSU was to always ask for help. My boss, Christina Pablo, suggested that if I had ANY questions, to always ask. I asked several questions and even when it seems like I’m annoying, getting over my pride of being right all the time was the best decision I could make for myself as a person and as an asset to a team. This became especially important as we learn online and can feel so distanced from so many great resources SDSU has to offer.
What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
I hope to find a marketing job after I graduate next year wherever that will be!
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
What is your cultural background?
I am a 4th generation Japanese and Chinese American.
What does Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month mean to you?
This month to me means embracing and acknowledging all experiences under the APIDA umbrella. Whether you think your experience isn’t as ‘important,’ ‘memorable,’ or whatever you may think, all experiences are valid and welcomed in this month. I am not a Pacific Islander, but I have the utmost respect for those who have their own cultural experiences and I want to highlight everyone during this month especially during these times. You are valued and heard!
Kimoto and other fellow ambassadors at the annual Aztec Family Weekend where she checked in the parents/guardians at their respective events.
There has recently been a surge of anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. Do you have any advice for people who do not identify with the Asian community and want to be an ally/take action?
There’s a lot I could write here, and a lot that I am still learning, too. The biggest advice I could say is to really get to truly know Asian Americans. We have a lot of history that you may not know of, as well as so many of us that are ignored. We are more than Panda Express and Mulan! Speak to Asian Americans and that means any Asian American. Each of them has their own experiences in their lives and a simple thing you can do is listen. Listen to their pain, success, struggles, and fears here in America and allow them to feel safe to share this information, too.
What advice would you give Asian Pacific students wanting to get involved at SDSU? Are there communities and/or student organizations you would recommend?
My biggest piece of advice is to not only join a cultural organization but also show up to their meetings with an open mind. Each one of them has their own traditions and shared experiences and it’s such a beautiful thing! I am positive that you will find your place with one of our AAPI organizations. Some organizations that I would recommend are truthfully anything that you will feel at home with. You do not need to only find one too, sometimes finding your home takes time and patience! Did I mention we have our own resource center, too? So, if you find yourself wanting to still learn in a more general sense of what we have to offer on campus, that’s a great place to start.
Who inspires you? Do you have any mentors that have positively impacted your life?
This is such a hard one! I have so many on campus! Through my job in the Fowler College of Business, quite literally every person that has been my supervisor has been such a huge inspiration and help to me. When we were forced to go home due to the pandemic, several of them even called me personally to make sure that I was able to be safe before I could fly home. In addition, my advisors in SDSU Ambassadors, Frankie and Robyn, have been huge inspirations for me during my time as a remote orientation leader. There really are so many great people on campus that I can’t sit here and list them all. They are all out there to help AND guide you, all you have to do is ask first.
*Group photos were taken prior to March 2021
