Every year, the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Affinity Group brings the entire PDS community together with its multidivisional Diwali celebration, a vibrant event filled with food, music, and performances. But beyond this well-known event, APIDA serves as a welcoming space for students to connect, support each other, and celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds.

For underclassmen, the affinity group offers a safe and supportive environment in which to navigate the school environment. “It’s really important for younger students to have a place where they feel comfortable,” said senior and co-head Jahnavi Bhalla. This is often easier when you are spending time with people that you can bond with over food, culture, and more. For upperclassmen, APIDA is about strengthening their bonds with each other and their heritage. Bhalla said that it is also equally important to support younger students. To do this, APIDA launched a mentorship program this year where upperclassmen can act as mentors or even just as friends to an underclassman. Whether it be showing them the ropes to high school or sharing how to respond to certain situations, the upperclassmen guide the underclassmen.

While there is often an assumption that affinity groups are all about deep discussions, APIDA meetings are also just a fun place to unwind. “Coming to a meeting is really fun; it’s low stakes,” Jahnavi explains. She said that it’s a welcoming, casual space where you can come to just chill, talk, and eat snacks. “Even if you don’t want to join, just come with your friends and have a good time.” During every meeting, a member or co-head brings snacks and explains their significance in their culture.

Over the past few years, APIDA has changed significantly. Previously, the affinity group was mostly South Asian, but the group has attracted more East and Southeast Asian representation. With a more diverse leadership team, consisting of East, Southeast, and South Asian members, Bhalla hopes that a more diverse group of people will be encouraged to come to meetings. Sophomore APIDA member, Isabelle Li, said that she is grateful for more East Asian representation where it wasn’t present before. She hopes that in the future, APIDA will collaborate with the Chinese Club to increase this representation even more through events like the Chinese New Year Celebration. Through events, discussions, and casual hangouts, APIDA Club creates a space where students can embrace their heritage, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships—all while enjoying great snacks.