We’re continuing our celebration of AANHPI Co-leaders and our next stop is the City of Brotherly Love. In Philly we find Sammy Choy (she/her) who’s bringing her full self to her new-ish role as Co-leader.
What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities
Half Chinese
When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
My best friend had been going for a few weeks before I finally agreed to go. It’s hard to remember what I had hoped to get out of it because waking up early, let alone to workout was not my jam. I don’t think I initially did it for myself, but more so to accompany my friend. For me it was the community aspect that brought so much value to my life and has taken me places I wouldn’t have ever imagined myself being at.
What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
I was anxious to be around strangers, and was self conscious about my body at the time. But I was so drawn to the positive energy and kindness from these strangers that I experienced that first morning. So many people high-fived me and encouraged me throughout the workout.
What does it mean to you to be an Asian and/or Pacific Islander Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
It gives me a sense of pride to be Asian that I never really had before. It wasn’t something I ever really identified with, in fact, in grade school it was something I wanted to disassociate with.
How does being Asian and/or Pacific Islander influence your leadership? What was it like to be Asian and/or Pacific Islander in your community before you stepped into leadership?
I love being able to share parts of my culture with friends and members. I led/created a Lunar New Year workout that I felt really proud about. I think it is really special that I get to be in a position to teach others about the culture, and I am so grateful for that.
Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead? What advice would you give to another Asian and/or Pacific Islander person who is nervous about leading a group (at November Project or anywhere else) or coming to November Project?
I definitely had apprehensions about leading, and asked “Why me?” a lot, but it had nothing to do with my race. I always saw myself as someone who was comfortable in the back of the crowd, quiet and liked to keep to myself. At the time, I did not feel like I exhibited leadership qualities. So, I think my advice is more general, but I would say to trust that you are here for a reason, and your presence and leadership is making more of a difference than you can know
