Angela Wang, safety and environmental health manager, Providence Milwaukie Hospital and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon shares a personal reflection on the Asian tradition of Lunar New Year and the importance of Caregiver Resource Groups in supporting our caregivers.
It is time to say goodbye to the Ox and hello to the year of the Tiger. This year’s Lunar New Year began on February 1. The Lunar New Year, known as Spring Festival in some areas, is the observance of the start of a new year using the lunisolar calendar. It is filled with so many traditions, including lucky money, games, fireworks, dragon dances, and most importantly — eating a feast! It is like Christmas and New Year on overdrive, lasting from seven to 15 days, varying country-by-country. It is one of my favorite holidays, because it is something I held on to that represents my heritage.
I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and grew up in Los Angeles. I guess I would be called a “zero generation” Asian American. When I think of my childhood, what comes to mind are sunny beaches, the 110 freeway, and lots of palm trees! I loved living in the cultural melting pot of people, food, traditions, and influences. I wasn’t aware of my identity as an “Asian” until middle school, when I moved to West Lafayette, IN, so that my sister can complete her B.A. at Purdue University (Go Boilermakers!) I was among four other minorities in the entire school. It was then my race became a topic of inquiry. At first, I was puzzled, but later realized the possibilities and opportunities to share about my culture.
Ever since then, I tried to stay connected by joining Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) associations in high school and in college. You can imagine my excitement to hear about Providence launching the AAPI Caregiver Resource Group (CRG). The year 2021 wasn’t easy for anyone, particularly being Asian. So, this was a huge win. I am proud to be part of an organization that stays true to its core values and Mission with its support of the AAPI community.
Our AAPI CRG mission is to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, with a focus on building community. Given the lack of representation and growth opportunities for AAPI caregivers, we aim to support the career development of said caregivers with a focus on to recruiting, retaining, and promotion. We celebrate the diversity of cultures within the AAPI community and encourage continued growth in order to sustain an equitable environment at Providence. The AAPI CRG welcomes all Providence caregivers to join and help in developing a partnership supporting our group’s mission. Come join us!
In closing, I wish you good fortune in the year ahead. Celebrate Lunar New Year with me by ordering your favorite Asian food, wearing red, offering lucky money, and for those super-ambitious, making dumplings from scratch! I’d love to see your photos.
Ni Hao, Xie Xie, and Zai Jian. (Translation: Hello, Thank you, and See you soon.)
-Angela
More info
Learn more about the various CRGs at Providence (HR Service Portal)