The South East Asian Student Association sailed into the new school year in Room 3707 on Oct. 13 to discuss upcoming plans for the year. Officers shared ideas for community events, cultural celebrations and collaborations with other student groups.
The club announced new projects such as a Pen Pal Program, which will connect students with international schools in Southeast Asia to exchange emails and learn about different cultures. The officers discussed hosting booths at the Fall Festival and Project Santa, both including crafts and food representing many Southeast Asian countries.
Second year SEAS Member and junior Kamea Ta said she joined the club to represent Southeast Asians.
“I feel that Southeast Asians are under-appreciated compared to other Asian cultures, and don’t have enough representation as a whole region,” Ta said. “I hope to learn more about the futures and customs of all the regions in Southeast Asia because it’s really interesting learning about other cultures.”
Vice President and junior Wesley George said he is looking forward to hosting events that bring students together and raise awareness of Southeast Asian culture.
“We want to give members a chance to learn about the unique traditions of [Southeast Asia],” George said. “It’s important for people to understand and appreciate the diversity within Southeast Asia.”
SEAS plans to collaborate with Tea Society to sell drinks such as taro, ube and Thai tea. Some of the club’s other ideas include celebrating Southeast Asian independence days, organizing a Loi Krathong Water Lantern Festival in November and hosting a Lunar New Year event with food, performances and games.
Ta said that the upcoming events give her a chance to celebrate Southeast Asian traditions.
“I’m most excited about the Lunar New Year because I feel that it’s a celebration that most Southeast Asians participate in, and I’m looking forward to see how the club will celebrate [Lunar New Year],” Ta said.
Learn more about SEAS through their Remind @seasbhs or Instagram @bellaire_seas.
