The Asian Students Club, a division of MSA, celebrated the Chinese New Year (of the Rabbit) with a special Coffee Hour, a Chinese Language for Lunch, and participation in the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, N.Y.
During Coffee Hour, everyone learned their own Chinese Zodiac sign and its characteristics. Students from China who are in the EASE class graciously made cards in calligraphy wishing us Health, Happiness, Love and Wealth. They were happy to share Chinese culture with students who are helping them learn better English communication skills.
The Language For Lunch was held in the Olympic Room at the Monroe Athletics Complex. Over 50 students ate Chinese food and were taught important phrases in Mandarin by Ms. Singee Lam (Director of Asian Student Admissions), learned to use chopsticks, and tried to use proper intonation to differentiate words in Mandarin.
Then on Saturday, February 12, Monroe students from China, Nepal, Japan, the Caribbean, the U.S., and other countries marched in the Lunar New Year Parade. Ms. Singee Lam was able to arrange our participation, and provided delicious dim sung (dumplings) when we finished. They proudly wore Monroe hats, carried banners, and cheered for Monroe, as they walked the streets of Flushing among the dragon dancers, Korean musicians, and children dressed as rabbits. |