An interview with Angie O’Connor ’25.
What are the most impactful things you have done over the last four years?
Two things come to mind — the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs) and hosting “Pass the Mic” with the Asian Students Association (ASA).
Last summer, I was granted the opportunity to do SURPASs research on colonization’s impact on Asian (American) sexual health resources. I noticed that there was a large taboo around sex in Asian communities and a lack of informative sexual health resources pertaining to that specific group, but I wanted to understand the root of this issue.
Through this project, “Let’s Get Intimate,” I was able to pinpoint different moments in history (e.g., the Vietnam War, Comfort Women, and Spanish Colonial Rule in the Philippines) [that impacted Asian communities]. I interviewed staff at sexual health organizations in the Boston area about their resources, and compiled my findings into an accessible pamphlet for community members to use.
Additionally, I hosted the ASA’s live show called “Pass the Mic” with my co-host My-Linh Aslanian. We interviewed young Asian creatives in the Boston area about their work, expertise, and creative journey in a live-podcast-style event. We featured The Chinatown Project, Tarik Bartel, and Panethnic Pourovers. Through this ongoing series, I was able to find my love for community outreach and learn more about creative work happening in Boston.
Are you a first-generation college student? If so, please tell us about this unique experience.
Yes, I am the eldest daughter of my family, with four younger brothers, so it was ingrained in my head from the beginning to be academically focused. Although being a first-gen student comes with its own pressure, it is a privilege to be a blueprint for my younger siblings to follow.
Did your course of study entail any internships or travel/study abroad opportunities?
During my junior spring semester, I had the opportunity to study abroad at Mahidol University in Thailand. It was my first time outside of the US, which was a huge step outside of my comfort zone.
My favorite classes [abroad] were, quite honestly, all of them! I took Thai and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asia Nations) Film, Thai Language and Culture, Southeast Asian Media, and Tourism in Thailand. Shoutout to Ajan JJ, who was my film professor and was so kind to me and other international students! I appreciated her humor and film recommendations as I explored Thailand.
I traveled to different parts of Thailand (including Chiang Mai and Krabi) and to the Philippines, making new friends and memories along the way. This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship that funded my experience. Now, I yearn for the warmer weather, the 7/11 on every street, the many cat cafes, the yummy street food, and the motorbikes that took me everywhere my heart desired. Thailand will always have a special place in my heart!
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
Some stand-out courses for me were “Black Abolitionism” (LDR 101); “Women in Political Leadership” (one of the Boston courses for the PLAN core curriculum, taught by Vice Provost Dr. Leanne Doherty); “Photo Screen Printing” (ART 220); and “Visual Communication” (COMM 121). These courses allowed me to explore my creativity in different mediums (writing, design, digital, printmaking) and to learn more about those who pioneered these fields.
How did you find your community at Simmons?
I was involved in multiple affinity organizations — including ASA and Sampaguita: The Pinoy Club (STPC) [relating to people of Philippine origin or descent]. On both Executive Boards, I served as the media manager and ran the respective social media channels for event promotion. Finding people from a similar background to myself made me feel less alone at a PWI [predominantly White institution].
Outside of school, I am involved in a Filipino-centered organization called PAMANA (Philippine-American Mainstream Advocacy for Non-Partisan Associations, Inc.). I create promotional materials for their Annual Philippine Community Gala and Philippine Independence Day Festival, as well as volunteer at local Asian-centered events.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
Be open minded to new experiences all around — even if you have to do it alone! I used to have a heavy reliance on doing things with groups of people upon first arriving at Simmons, but over time I learned that my alone time was the most healing and reflective. I was able to understand more about myself and how I wanted to utilize my time. I met new friends, explored new places (even ones that were abroad), and sought new opportunities.