On Thursday January 23, 2020, I attended a lantern making event with two of my close friends. The event was located in the Smith basement, and there were about 20 people there. An older IA Scholar taught us how to make lanterns out of two pieces of paper. Even though mine did not turn out too great. It was an overall good experience.

The Chinese New Year occurred on January 25, 2020, and thanks to my friend I know that it a the year of the rat. It was great to be able to participate in the Chinese New Year’s celebrations because I have never done it before. My friend has a Chinese background, and she is very close to her culture. I got to hear some interesting stories and facts about the Chinese New Year’s celebration from her perspective.

Going to this event reflected IA Scholars because being in tune and celebrating events that are important to other cultures helps us to be educated about the world. IA focuses on understanding other cultures, and that begins with learning about those events that are most important to them. Each society has their own traditions, which have been passed on for generations. Being able to appreciate these traditions will help the world work together when necessary because of the respect and understanding achieved through knowing those things which are most important to each culture.