"Soy yo, It's me!" I would say in excitement as I'd recognize an artifact of my culture: a treat, a bird, a coin, or a flag, on one of La Raza or Hispanic/Latinx fair tables at school during many club fairs or culture days. It wasn't always the case that I would come across a particular item on these tables that highlighted a facet of who I am. Unfortunately, it is something that I've heard from others before. Soy Yo is an attempt to provoke the excitement of being seen, illustrating a present and growing diversity in our community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, CSM is forever growing, around a 20% increase in admissions in 2024, reaching someone from every corner of the world who might not have thought it possible to pursue higher education.

Here is a breakdown of the artifacts that are found in this illustration: 2 Honduran lempira, a Puerto Rican Peso, and a loteria card. Strawberry Bon Bons is a candy that originated in France, but has become one of the staple candies we find in our piñatas. Sonho de Valsa is a Brazilian chocolate candie. Picnic is a wafer treat that is produced by Diana, a food distributor that is popular throughout Central and South America. The stickers in this illustration are all depictions of animals that each represent a part of Latinos: the bulldog school mascot, the national bird of Guatemala, the quetzal, the iconic monarch butterfly that represents immigration and migrant justice. lastly, the bison, the First Nation indigenous group of Canada, has a proficiency that states that when the bison return, the people will return and get healthy, they will become strong once again. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the land we stand on, to whom it belongs. I wanted to acknowledge an icon in this piece, Sylvia Mendez, an american activist who with her family fought in Medez vs. Westminister for federal courts to rule that school segregation of hispanic is unconsitutional in 1946.

Soy Yo uses CSM's school colors to bring all these artifacts together. The inspiration of the name comes not only from my experience, but also from its pronunciation that sound similarly to soil. The history that remains and grows with students. A reminder that before the labor, work ethic, or education, we are people first.

Concept and Philosophy Behind the Logos
As part of the AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution) initiative, my goal was to create visual identities that reflect the diverse cultural influences within the College of San Mateo (CSM) community. Each design incorporates symbolic elements from Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American traditions while emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and the welcoming spirit of the college.

1. Yin-Yang of Knowledge

The first logo incorporates the Yin-Yang symbol, a well-known representation of harmony and balance in Chinese philosophy. It conveys the idea that knowledge is ever-evolving and requires both structure and creativity. The blue section, filled with the word "knowledge" in multiple languages, signifies the diversity of languages spoken by CSM students. The white portion, featuring a hibiscus flower, represents growth and enlightenment. This design highlights CSM as a space where diverse cultures and wisdom merge, fostering a harmonious learning environment.

2. Maneki-Neko - The Welcoming Cat of Knowledge

The second logo is inspired by the Maneki-Neko, or the "beckoning cat," a traditional Japanese symbol of luck and prosperity. The cat, wearing a Hawaiian hibiscus lei, bridges Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, emphasizing CSM's inclusivity. The phrase "Aloha, Knowledge!" represents a warm invitation to embrace learning, much like how the AANAPISI initiative aims to support students from diverse backgrounds. This logo reflects the college's welcoming nature and its mission to uplift students on their educational journey.

3. Illuminating Knowledge - The Lantern Design

The third logo features a traditional Asian lantern, symbolizing enlightenment and guidance. The glowing light represents knowledge, illuminating the path for students as they navigate their education at CSM. The hibiscus flower at the center once again reinforces the connection to Pacific Islander heritage. The phrase "Illuminating Knowledge!" signifies CSM's role in empowering students by providing opportunities and fostering intellectual growth.

Conclusion
Each of these logos encapsulates a unique aspect of CSM's identity as an AANAPISI-serving institution. The designs emphasize cultural unity, wisdom, and inclusivity, aligning with the college's mission to create a welcoming and diverse learning environment. Through these symbols, I aim to celebrate the rich heritage of CSM's students while reinforcing the importance of knowledge as a guiding force in their journey.

I used the the national and symbolic flowers of Native American, Pacific Islander, and Asian cultures and formed a heart representing the community formed by these beautiful cultures. Flowers symbolizes love, appreciation and kindness. By forming a heart with these different flowers, it symbolizes CSM's values of community, diversity, and inclusion of these cultures. The formation of the heart from the flowers also shows how unity forms love.

I used boba tea, shaved ice, and hibiscus to represent Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. I made the mascots show unity and empowerment by having them hold hands. I also had them either throw their graduation caps up or wear them to show academic achievement. Making the students as bulldogs (CSM mascots) represents how CSM accepts AANHPI into the college.

This design reflects CSM's commitment as an AANAPISI showcasing our diverse AANAPI heritage and strengthening our community. The AANAPI identity is uniquely complex, comprising diverse ethnicities, cultures, and languages. At times, even we may not fully recognize that we all fall under the AANAPI umbrella. However, fostering a sense of collective identity, empowerment, and solidarity is essential to strengthening our AANAPI community.

While our cultures, histories, languages, and ethnic backgrounds may differ, we share foundational values-especially the deep respect for our legacy. Passed down through generations, this legacy fuels our strength and success today. To embody this unity, I have incorporated cultural elements from Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander communities into a single, cohesive artwork. This design represents our unique identities coming together, integrating, and transforming into something greater-reinforcing our solidarity as one AANAPI community.

• The central feather represents power, wisdom, and strength in Native American culture.
• The horizontal knot pattern signifies connection, unity, and bond in East Asian traditions.
• The Polynesian shark teeth motif at the bottom symbolizes protection, guidance, and resilience in Pacific Islander cultures.
• Three cultural motifs at the bottom represent different cultures of AANAPI heritage:
  • Carp fish : A symbol of success, luck, and prosperity in Chinese and Japanese cultures.
  • Filipino sun : From the Philippine flag, representing unity, freedom, and democracy.
  • Elephant: A symbol of protection, luck, and prosperity in South Asian traditions.

Through this artwork, I aim to celebrate our individual identities while illustrating the strength of our collective AANAPI community—honoring our past, empowering our present, and shaping our future together.

• I can optimize the artwork based on T-shirts or other merch item color. 
• 2 graphics - one for front left chest (small) and one for back (large) are attached for T shirts.

Flourishing Together: AANAPISI at CSM

This design celebrates College of San Mateo's designation as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) by incorporating national flowers from various AANHPI cultures. Each flower represents the strength, heritage, and unity of the communities that CSM supports. The Plum Blossom symbolizes resilience in Chinese culture, while the Hibiscus represents the beauty and vitality of Hawaiian and Pacific Islander traditions. The Sakura, or Cherry Blossom, embodies the fleeting yet profound nature of life in Japanese culture, and the Lotus signifies spiritual growth and enlightenment in India and other parts of South and Southeast Asia. The Sampaguita, or Arabian Jasmine, is a national symbol of purity and strength in the Philippines, while the Padauk represents renewal and strength in Burma. Jasmine, widely recognized in Indonesia, is associated with grace and purity, and the Heilala flower of Tonga signifies celebration and national pride.

I took traditional Korean dance lessons as a kid, and was always fascinated by the dragon design motifs present in the instruments. Eastern dragons are often viewed as symbols of power and prosperity, and these values connect to CSM and our desire for academic achievement. The colors in the CSM style guide are similar to the colors used in traditional paintings of eastern dragons, and combining that with my own art style and a modern, geometric take on traditional arts, I created this design as a commitment to CSM's celebration of Asian American heritage.

This artwork was inspired by cultural symbolism, education, and the natural and architectural landmarks of the San Francisco Bay Area. The depiction of the Golden Gate Bridge was to symbolize the college's regional identity and its role in bridging diverse communities and opportunities. The two graduates in caps and gowns represent academic achievement and inclusivity, reflecting the institution's commitment to empowering students from all backgrounds. Surrounding these figures are vibrant floral patterns and greenery that portray traditional Asian and Pacific Islander artistic styles, celebrating the cultural heritage of students served by Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). Whereas the intricate motifs on the borders further emphasize pride in cultural identity, with elements like the eye at the center portraying wisdom and enlightenment. Additionally, the boats and wave-like patterns signify migration, journeys, and the maritime heritage significant to many Pacific Islander cultures. Thus, this artwork serves as CSM's values by visually celebrating cultural representation, fostering a sense of belonging for Asian American and Pacific Islander students and educational empowerment, and a reminder of how CSM can honor diversity while inspiring unity and success.

Inspired by patterns in Asian and Pacific Islander art, I decided to use motifs that evoke waves, the sun, an open parasol from a bird's eye view, and flowers. I think my design reflects CSM's values of unity, empowerment, and academic excellence since it represents an umbrella term for quite a few cultures sharing the same center, making waves of change, and shining brightly.

P.S. My friend helped me make 30+ different mockups of what this design will look like on different apparel, water bottles, and notebooks in blue, white, and black. Since I could not upload them, I thought I should let you know here. Thanks for your time and consideration.

These designs are inspired by the values of unity, diversity, and support that CSM stands for. I wanted to visually represent how CSM creates a community where everyone works together and helps one another grow.

The phrase "Justice Starts With Us" is featured in two of the designs. It reflects CSM's commitment to fairness and equality, emphasizing that creating a just and inclusive community starts with each of us.

The design with the hands highlights collaboration and mutual support, symbolizing how justice begins with small actions - extending help and showing respect to others.

The design with the people climbing the mountain focuses on teamwork and overcoming challenges together. It represents how CSM encourages us to rise together, supporting one another on the path to success.

The third design, featuring the Bulldogs and the phrase "One Family," illustrates the sense of belonging and unity that connects everyone in the CSM community, whether students, faculty, or alumni.

These designs reflect the shared values of justice, support, and togetherness that define the spirit of CSM.