Story Behind APC

As an international student from Beijing, I was excited and nervous about coming to the United States to pursue my education. I never thought twice about my identity until I stepped onto an upper-state New York campus and struggled to communicate in English.

I did everything I could for nine years to fit into the social jungle. I joined a sorority, isolated myself from other international students, and even took speaking classes to soften my accent.

Despite my efforts, I can still feel that little Chinese girl in me, who loves hiding in a small conference room eating chicken fingers on a bad work day.

Over time, I realized that I didn't have to change who I was to fit in. I could embrace my cultural identity and find others who shared similar experiences. With this in mind, I founded the Abnormal People Club with my friends.

APC is a community for people who are proud Mandarin speakers and embrace their "fobby" tendencies. It's not about showing off our Chinese identity or being elite; it's about connecting with others who understand the challenges of being an international student and finding a place to belong.

We're not in the business of flashy words, Instagram pictures, or pretentious selection processes.

Instead, we're here to create a safe and welcoming space for people to connect, share their experiences, and support one another.