Beach Voices: National Day of Racial Healing and one student's journey in finding her voice

When I first heard about the National Day of Racial Healing, I didn’t think it had much to do with me.

Sure, I knew racism existed – it’s hard not to – but I didn’t see how one day could change anything. It wasn’t until I attended the Amplifying Student Voices convening last semester that I realized how wrong I was.  

Cal State Long Beach, as a designated Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation™ (TRHT) campus, was invited to take part in the hybrid event that included more than 400 student leaders to discuss the future of belonging in higher education.

But it wasn’t just an event; it was a mirror that reflected my own experiences and the power of speaking up.

I remember walking into the Anatol Center feeling unsure of what to expect. The room buzzed with energy, filled with students from all walks of life. As people began to share their stories – some painful, others hopeful – I felt a knot in my chest. Their words reminded me of my own encounter with racism during my first semester at Cal State Long Beach.

It was a small thing, or at least it seemed small at the time.  

A group project, a misunderstanding, and suddenly I was the “overachiever.”  

The label stung, not because it was about my performance but because it was rooted in a stereotype – a silent assumption tied to my identity as an Asian American.  

It wasn’t about what I said or did; it was about the preconceived notions of who I was supposed to be. In that moment, I felt boxed in, my individuality overshadowed by a narrative I didn’t choose.

I kept quiet, telling myself it wasn’t worth addressing. After all, wasn’t this a “positive” stereotype? But deep down, it felt isolating. It ignored the complexity of my experiences and reduced me to a caricature. It also placed an invisible pressure on me to constantly live up to those expectations, whether I wanted to or not.

I’ve learned that truth-telling isn’t just about big revelations; it’s about acknowledging the everyday moments that shape our lives.  

Truth means recognizing the ways I’ve minimized my experiences to make others comfortable. Healing meant finding a community that values my voice and transformation meant using that voice to build something better – not just for me but for others who feel unseen.

Belonging, I’ve learned, isn’t just about fitting in. It’s about finding spaces where your identity isn’t a burden but a gift. At CSULB, I found that space through the Office of Belonging and Inclusion.  

I still remember the first time I walked in – a nervous transfer unsure if I belonged. But the warmth of the staff and the conversations with other students showed me that this wasn’t just a building; it was a haven. Here, my experiences weren’t just tolerated – they were celebrated.  

Similarly, my role in ASI as the commissioner of wellness affairs has given me the opportunity to amplify the voices of students like me and to advocate for initiatives that support mental health, inclusion, and wellness.

The National Day of Racial Healing is more than just a day to reflect – It’s a call to action. It reminds me that healing isn’t passive - it’s active, messy and deeply personal. For me, it means stepping out of my comfort zone to share my story, whether through events like Amplifying Student Voices or informal conversations with friends. Every time I do, I’m reminded of the power of vulnerability. It’s in those moments that real connections happen, and the walls we build around ourselves begin to crumble.

As a TRHT campus, CSULB has taught me that change starts with narrative. When we share our stories, we challenge stereotypes and replace them with humanity. It’s about more than racial equity – it’s about building coalitions that honor each person’s dignity. That’s what I want for my future: a world where we don’t just coexist but thrive together.

Jaydee Phung (she/her/hers) is a third-year kinesiology student at The Beach and ASI’s commissioner of wellness affairs.  

Beach Voices is an occasional feature that allows members of The Beach community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – to share their firsthand experiences. If you would like to be considered, email submissions labeled “Beach Voices” to Strategic Communications.