Aya S. Murata
Advisor to Asian and Asian American Students
B.A. Bates College 1992, M.A. Harvard University 2000
Hello! I began working at Phillips Academy in 1992 and have been the Adviser to Asian and Asian American Students since 1994, serving in the Office of Community and Multicultural Development. In my role as Adviser to Asian and Asian American Students, I serve in two major areas: (1) support for Asian and Asian American students and (2) development of activities and programs to assist the Phillips Academy community (students, staff and faculty) to learn more about and better understand Asian and Asian American history, culture and issues. I develop both informational and social programs relating to Asia and/or Asian and Asian American issues. Such programs have included a study of Andover’s Asian and Asian American students' experiences, Asian Arts Festival (an annual event showcasing Asian food, art, customs and talent), Divali Celebration, Lunar New Year Celebration, various guest speakers and performers (most recently authors: Frank Wu and Chang-rae Lee) and social activities such as trips to restaurants.
Additionally, as faculty adviser to student organizations such as Asian Society, I work with student leaders to develop social activities, educational programs, and lend support. Other organizations under the umbrella of the Asian Society include the Andover Japanese Connection, Andover Korean Society, Chinese Taiwanese Student Association, and Indian and Pakistani Society. Along with student leaders and other faculty advisers to these clubs, I am a member of the organization CAFÉ (Cultural Awareness for Everyone).
I graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, in 1992 with a B.A. degree in Japanese studies, with a minor concentration in Japanese language. Other roles at PA have included assistant dean of admission, academic advisor, complementary house counselor, house counselor, coach and International Student Coordinator. I am currently the Dean of Pine Knoll Cluster. In June 2000, I graduated from Harvard University with a master's degree in Regional Studies: East Asia.
The Asian Society
The purpose of the Asian Society is to educate and share with both its members and the greater school community Asian and Asian American cultures and traditions. The society sponsors field trips, films, speakers and activities related to Asian and Asian American culture. It is open to all members of the Phillips Academy community who share Asian background and /or interests.
Andover Japanese Connection
Andover Japanese Connection, more often referred to as "AJC", is made up of an eclectic group of kids who love Japan. Members include both Japanese students, ex-residents of Japan, students studying Japanese, and students who just want to learn more about the country! Weekly meetings are spent experiencing Japanese culture through activities like sushi-making, Japanese games, movies, karaoke, origami, or calligraphy. Meetings also occasionally focus around traditional holidays, like the Moon festival in October, Setsubun in February, and Girl's Day in March. Come and experience “Japan” in just half an hour each week! All students are welcome.
Andover Korean Society
Andover Korean Society brings together students interested in Korean and Korean-American culture to learn from each other and also have fun doing it. Weekly club meetings include discussions about relevant topics, games and planing for upcoming cultural events, such as the International Weekend or the Asian Arts Festival. Club members have fun whether they are preparing a cultural performance or cooking for the food festival. All of us are spirited and proud to present our culture to the community we live in. We also meet with members of the Korean Society Club at Exeter to share knowledge and ideas through activities and discussions. We are open to new ideas to improve our club and will continue to be a special place where students come together to learn and have fun.
CTSA (Chinese Taiwanese Student Association)
The Chinese Student Association draws in students of all backgrounds who are interested in Chinese culture. As a cultural club, not only do we educate our members about the larger aspects of Chinese culture, but we also hope to create an environment in which people of common background or interest can form bonds and discuss issues that surround life as an Asian. We have hosted and participated in events celebrating various Chinese holidays, like the Chinese New Year and the Autumn Moon Festival. Each year we participate in the International Festival in the fall and Asian Arts Festival in the spring. During our meetings, we’ve played Chinese games like Mah Jong, cooked Chinese dinners and taught Chinese brush painting.
Indo-Pak (Indian and Pakistani Society)
Indo-Pak aims to raise awareness of the culture, customs, and issues of the Indian subcontinent. Weekly meetings consist of discussions on news from the region such as the recent devastating earthquake in Pakistan, presentations on Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi history, and pertinent events in Andover. During the fall term, the club hosts the Diwali show, a celebration of the Indian festival of lights. For the first time in 2005, the popular fall performance will also celebrate Eid, an important Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan. At every meeting, we try to provide a taste of the Indian and Pakistani cultures such as samosas, pani puri, and mango ice cream to supplement interesting discussion and club activities. Our winter highlight includes a charity dinner where day students and boarders prepare and serve traditional meals to the guests. In the spring, Indo-Pak presents a couple acts in the Asian Arts Festival. Additionally, once or twice a term the club shows a Bollywood movie so that everyone can get together under a big screen and relax on a Friday night with heartwarming Indian food. Throughout the year, it is the hope of the club that the events and meetings allow members to not only enjoy themselves but also become familiar with the richly diverse Indian and Pakistani cultures.
amurata@andover.edu