The campus kicked off the Lunar New Year with a lantern-making session. The event was located in the Center of Inclusion and Belonging, located in the Library Building, on Jan. 26.
The event, hosted by Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans Holistic Achievement With Knowledge and Service (APIDA HAWKS), was made to celebrate and spread awareness of what Lunar New Year is. A moment of silence was held prior to the event due to the recent mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay.
“Even before the recent events, with the things that have been going on in the AAPI (community) the past three years. It’s heavy even for me,” said Raul Pasamonte, director for APIDA HAWKS. “As a team and for the Center of Inclusion and Belonging, we want to provide hope for the community.”
Jessica Mow, a success coach for APIDA HAWKS, said she hoped for it to be a learning event, but also to bring recognition to what they offer on campus.
“We’re still a new center, but we’re constantly trying to bring awareness that we’re here,” Mow said. “We want to bring unity to the campus and create a space where people are comfortable.”
Pasamonte echoed similar sentiments about the center.
“This is a space for everybody. The event was meant to bring joy and renewal for the new year,” Pasamonte said. “Given the heaviness of it all while still grieving, it’s important to be able to share that laughter to get to know others. We all grieve differently and we want to make sure that everyone knows they are not alone in their struggle.”
The event started with a breathing exercise called “grounding” where you rub your hands together and place your feet flat on the ground and breathe in and out for 30 seconds.
“The vibes were very calming and the place was very welcoming,” said Nalani Kennedy, a 24-year-old business administration major. “It all felt very natural.”
“You write things down that you want to let go of to bring prosperity and good luck,” Mow said.