Red paper lanterns adorned the Mid-Pen entryway, welcoming students into a week of color, culture, and celebration.

Led by Mid-Pen’s AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) Affinity Group, this year’s Lunar New Year festivities blended creativity, history, and hands-on tradition. Earlier in the week, each Core joined in the decorating spirit, crafting red paper lanterns using nothing more than red paper, scissors, and tape. The simple materials transformed into vibrant symbols of good fortune and renewal, filling campus with a festive glow.

During Community Meeting, members of the AANHPI Affinity Group took the podium to share the meaning behind the celebration. Their presentation covered the rich history of Lunar New Year, fun facts about how it is celebrated across different countries, traditional foods and activities, and an overview of the Chinese zodiac. Students learned that this year marks the Year of the Horse—symbolizing energy, independence, and determination. The presentation offered both cultural context and personal insight, deepening the community’s understanding of a holiday observed by billions around the world.

Following the presentation, students were invited to experience the celebration through taste. A sampling of traditional Chinese dishes was available, turning learning into a multisensory experience.

Out on the back patio, the celebration became even more interactive. Led by members of the AANHPI Affinity Group, students gathered to make tang yuan—sweet glutinous rice balls traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival. Each student received a small portion of dough to shape, placing a sugar cube in the center, and carefully sealing it back into a smooth sphere. The rice balls were then boiled, and once they floated to the surface, they were ready to enjoy.

More than just a celebration, the week was a reflection of students sharing their cultures and inviting others into traditions that matter to them. Through creativity, storytelling, and food, the Mid-Pen community came together to learn from one another and celebrate Lunar New Year side by side.