Aster Chau shines brightly within the Academy of Palumbo community, embodying the values of academic excellence and community involvement. Growing up in a family that cherishes education, Aster was strongly inspired by their mother, an immigrant from Vietnam, to pursue knowledge and advocate for social justice. Aster’s journey through the school system alongside two siblings reflects a deep-rooted appreciation for education and underscores the importance of a supportive educational environment.
Throughout Aster’s time at Palumbo, Aster has actively engaged in projects that uplift marginalized voices, pursuing subjects such as urban studies and sociology to tackle societal issues head-on. Nominated for Senior of the Month, Aster is determined to raise awareness of significant challenges facing students today, from educational policies to community resources. Aster’s leadership as class president and club leader demonstrates a passion for fostering inclusivity and collaboration among peers, and a commitment to creating a positive impact.
Aster hopes to leave a legacy of celebration and support within the community, cherishing events such as the Fall Feast that strengthen connections among students and instill a sense of school spirit. As Aster prepares for the next chapter of life, they emphasize the importance of balance, skillfully managing multiple responsibilities while prioritizing their well-being.
Aster Chau’s story is one of resilience, heartfelt connection, and purposeful advocacy. It is a journey that inspires others. At the Academy of Palumbo, we proudly celebrate Aster for these achievements and for the positive influence on their peers and the community at large.
We asked Aster our favorite list of questions:
Why do you think you were nominated as Senior of the Month?
I think I was nominated as Senior of the Month for my commitment and perseverance. At school, I am the elected Senior President, co-founder of the Asian Student Solidarity Club, President of the Environmental Club, and student coach for Mock Trial. I founded my school’s first STEM fair and AAPI Month Showcase. Outside the Palumbo walls, I play on the varsity lacrosse team, intern at Asian Americans United, and work with environmental justice organizations. I care about all of these things and love doing them. It is clear to those close to me how much balance is required to maintain everything, and they have seen moments when I was uncertain or overwhelmed. In those moments, I chose to push through and work even harder– showing up to community events, speaking at city council or school board meetings, or fundraising for a friend. Knowing the people who nominated me and how much they have supported me through this journey, I see this nomination as a recognition of finding strength despite adversity and a moment to celebrate.
You were nominated by (Mr. McGeehan). Explain your relationship to him? Explain their role in your experience at your school.
I was nominated by Teacher McGeehan. My mock trial coach since freshman year, social science teacher junior year, and hopefully my mentor for many years to come. If every student had a teacher like McGeehan, every young person had a role model like him, I am certain the world would be a better place. In moments when I doubted the possibility of change and feared this repeating cycle, McGeehan always said exactly what I needed to hear and be reminded of. I knew that he didn’t have solutions to all the things I was scared of, but his encouragement was more than enough. McGeehan is that teacher for so many students– encouraging them to find their own growth and character. As an intern for social science this year, I watch this cycle repeat: students come in uncertain if they can create lasting change, but halfway through the year start believing and do it. He teaches because he cares; it is prominent in his classes and in the lives of all the people impacted by one person. McGeehan is Palumbo’s Miss Honey: “one of those remarkable people who appreciates every single child for who (they are) she or he is.”
What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you?
Growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer or a teacher, always alternating every month, determined to have my life planned out at the age of 6. This happened from Pre-K until my second-grade diversity day. I stood in front of my class and taught them about my Chinese-Vietnamese culture. I shared what little history I had learned from the stories of my parents’ journey from Vietnam to America. This forgotten memory was unlocked during my senior year as I looked over an Asian American Studies Syllabus. The content is everything I wish I had learned, but hopefully will become a class for the next year of Palumbo students. Little Aster’s dream was to teach history or English, and currently, I am looking into Asian American Studies and education.
What do you enjoy most when you are not at school?
I enjoy exploring the city, but always end up in Chinatown for a comfort meal. There is a joy and freedom I associate with being outdoors, wandering, and existing with my people. I will never turn down a reason to do something silly with friends or a spontaneous outing with no plans. There are a few regular spots where I often go. When I need inspiration to envision what adulthood can look like, I find myself at Asian American United, snacking and watching some of my favorite people do incredible things. If I’m not at AAU, I’m at Ginger Arts Center. It has been one of my favorite spots for fun, arts and crafts, chill side quests, and a cute space for my friends and me to lounge.
How did you choose your high school? What is the best thing about attending school at Palumbo?
Palumbo was last on my list for the lottery. The two-hour commute was intimidating, but I was drawn into this idea of a whole different community. A few months into my freshman year, I knew I wouldn’t be transferring. It was my teachers, like Freifelder, Anderson, and Woods, who uplifted students to find their passions and hold onto them. The students with whom I was able to connect across grades and bring together when we needed to lock in. Palumbo students embody the definition of a Philly kid: resilient, a bit sassy, and students who don’t forget the people that stand by them or crumble under systematic, corporate, oppressive pressures. So it wasn’t shocking when I had gathered Palumbo students, and they stood on business for Chinatown. Together, we showed up at rallies, council meetings, and school board meetings, and there we connected with other schools. The collective power and unity our community brings has grown from my freshman year till now. This month I watched Palumbo students lock in once again. I want to say I couldn’t imagine the frustration of communities experiencing school closure or relocation, but I think every Philly public school student has felt that feeling of support being ripped from beneath them. The day the Facilities Master Plan dropped, Palumbo students were browsing through the list of impacted schools. Students reconnect with their former middle school friends, talking about their old school being closed, and others are already thinking about the impact. The students refuse to idly sit by and be desensitized to what is happening because we see what’s going on. From a chapter in a dystopian novel emerges something so mesmerizing and just beautiful that everyone wonders how– that is the Palumbo community I have experienced, built, and it continues to grow.
What is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to students?
The School District should be considering student input to actually influence and change our district. Students are actively being forced into survival mode with ICE and the government threatening to separate families, and the School District decides the next step is to start closing schools. We need resources to best support our communities, not STAR test statistics. When students speak, it is calling for the District to not just hear us but support us.
Aster, we are so excited for you – best of luck in the college and career of your dreams!