Continuing an annual tradition, Drew students welcomed the campus community to a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration, transforming campus into a space of learning, tradition, and joyful exchange. Entirely student-led through Mandarin 2, Mandarin 3, Mandarin 4, and the APIDA student group, the event invited peers to engage directly with cultural traditions through interactive booths, food, games, and conversation.
From homemade mochi and tanghulu to a soup booth and traditional games, students created hands-on opportunities for the community to experience Lunar New Year beyond observation. Booths explored everything from the Chinese zodiac and symbolic decorations to the significance of table etiquette and the proper way to hold chopsticks—small gestures that carry deep cultural meaning.
For Sophia D.G ‘28, the student-led nature of the celebration made it especially meaningful.
“Celebrations like this are important because they allow us to celebrate an important part of Chinese culture, and it is entirely student-led,” she shared. “From my booth, I hope people take away that something as simple as holding chopsticks the correct way is very significant in Chinese culture and table manners.”
The preparation behind the event was extensive, with students spending weeks researching, designing, and building their booths. Seeing classmates engage with that work was deeply rewarding.
“It was super cool that students were being engaged in something our class has been working on for a month,” reflected Evelyn F. ’26 “It really makes the work we do pay off.”
For Jonas T ’26., the celebration also brought a unique sense of community pride.
“Celebrations like these are essential to provide our campus with the lighthearted energy that we love at Drew,” he shared. “Even on rainy days, bringing the community together has this warm feeling that’s super unique to Drew. I hope people take away that Lunar New Year is an event celebrated all over the world and has a deep historical background.”
Beyond engagement, the celebration also created space for cultural pride and personal connection.
“It felt good seeing people learn about the things I was teaching, especially because I am Chinese,” shared William T. ‘28 “It’s really cool to see people engaging with my culture.”
One of William’s most meaningful moments came when a teacher took one of the symbolic statues he had been explaining and placed it at the entrance to the theater, bringing good fortune for the school play—a small but powerful reminder of how traditions can move from conversation into lived practice.
Throughout the afternoon, students moved from booth to booth, learning about zodiac symbolism for 2026, trying their hands at traditional games, and exploring the artistry and history embedded in Chinese characters. The celebration was both festive and educational—an example of what it looks like when students take ownership of sharing their culture with intention and care.
At its heart, the Lunar New Year celebration reflected Drew’s commitment to curiosity, inclusion, and community learning. By inviting peers to ask questions, try new foods, and engage with traditions firsthand, students helped foster deeper understanding and appreciation across campus.
At Drew, cultural celebrations are more than events—they are opportunities to lead, to teach, and to build community through shared experience.
