Last Friday Dinner

Friday April 24th was the last IA dinner, and overall IA event for the semester. I have not gone to many social events over the past year simply because my schedule has been packed. However, it was a nice change of pace to sit down and talk to the IA community. I have to say that I did not talk much, but there were some interesting conversations that took place.

Steven talked about the new IA members, and how eager they are to get started at osu in the IA program. It was refreshing to hear how excited the upcoming freshman class is. As part of IA, I believe that it was fitting for me to get an insight into the new members. It was also nice to hear how ohio state is doing. Not being on campus has definitely changed my daily schedule. Therefore, being able to see faces that reminded me of the school was welcomed.

Being aware of what is happening at the ohio state and in IA specifically is significant to my participation in the community. The meeting got me excited for the upcoming school year, and all of the events that are going to be happening.

Chinese New Year Lantern Making

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.