A Word from Dr. Hooi-Ling Lee

By Dr. Hooi-Ling Lee | June 28th, 2022

Hello! I am Hooi-Ling Lee, a Fulbright Visiting Scholar from Malaysia. Malaysia is a multiracial country consisting of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other native ethnicities. As such, speaking different languages and dialects is very common in Malaysia. Though I often travel to foreign countries, I never feel lonely as I will always meet Asians through my daily life activities or interactions. Hence, I have an impression that Asians are everywhere in the world.

Since being an academician, I have been to the US a couple of times for my business trips. Therefore, I thought it would be easy for me to adapt to my newly adopted city, Albuquerque. I still remember vividly when I walked leisurely to ABQ Downtown on my first weekend, I wondered why there were not many Asians strolling on the pathway or road. With my mask on, I still stood out as an Asian or a “newcomer” during that time. ( To be honest, ABQ is a warm-hearted city. People here are very friendly and helpful). When I was in UNM, I was looking for an interfaith center because, during my Ph.D. study in Dublin, Ireland, the university has an interfaith center where students from different countries regardless of ethnicities or religions can gather for socializing or praying. Unfortunately, there was no such “space” in UNM at that time. Despite this circumstance I discovered a yoga studio nearby my UNM Lobo Rainforest, where could spend my time almost every evening in some Yin or Yang Yoga. Being a yoga practitioner for more than 15 years, yoga has been a pillar of my strength and support at the beginning of my stay here.

In late April, I heard of the ribbon-cutting ceremony of UNM Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center (AAPIRC) through UNM emails. I was very delighted to hear of this center and attended its opening ceremony. Finally, I feel I have a “space” that is very much connected to my identity. I participated in most of the AAPIRC events including the graduation ceremony. When an advertisement of yoga and qi gong activities for students during the final examination was announced, I reached out to AAPIRC and offered to volunteer my service as a guest yoga instructor. During that period, a few activities had already been planned and a yoga slot was not able to fit in. Instead, I was invited to assist during the summer semester in June. That marks the beginning of Mindful Yoga in AAPIRC. Even though my time with AAPIRC was short ( Yup..my 4-month attachment is ending), I have made friends with some frequent yoga practitioners. I will miss AAPIRC when I am back in Malaysia. I am glad AAPIRC is born at UNM (Congrats, UNM for your progressive move & those behind the scenes who made this happen) and I have a chance to witness this moment. I believe AAPIRC will grow and benefits many people from diverse ethnicity. Thanks to AAPIRC for giving me the opportunity to be part of you. I will sign off by wishing you “Till we meet again!” ( It’s not goodbye) 😃