Under a canopy of orange lights and paper lanterns, Wright State University students celebrated Halo Halloween. The Asian Student Association, or ASA, hosted the event which combined Halloween enthusiasm with Asian cultural appeal, reminding students that celebrations are most potent when shared across cultures.
Halloween blends culture and celebration at WSU
The Student Union Atrium at WSU was turned into a vibrant vision of color, creativity and culture on Friday night as students gathered for Halo Halloween, an annual event presented by the ASA. The area sparkled beneath strings of orange lights and paper lanterns with each corner adorned with a combination of frightening aspects and traditional Asian themes.
Each element- from lanterns and origami bats to tables piled high with sweets and themed appetizers- emphasized the event's goal to combine Halloween traditions with Asian history. Students came dressed in anything from anime-inspired costumes to classic movie monsters, posing for selfies and laughing near the dancing area.
New faces, new memories
Sonya Fassa is a first-year nursing major who shared that the event provided a nice break of her stressful academic schedule.
"This was my first campus event and I'm glad I came," Fassa said. "I wasn't sure what to expect but it was such a fun mix of people and energy."
Sai Keerthana Chella is a student in computer science who heard about the event through a friend, decided to attend and immediately became involved in the celebrations. She didn't know what to expect, but the moment she walked in, she was blown away by the decorations and energy.
Chella's experience reflects one of the event's primary goals, to create a welcoming environment in which even students new to WSU or unfamiliar with the ASA may feel included and participate in cultural celebrations.
"It's amazing how something so simple- a friend telling me about an event- can lead to such a memorable night. I met people I hadn't known before, learned a little about different cultures and just had a really great time," Chella said.
Elissia Pricea is a first-year nursing major that went to the event to make new friends and learn more about campus life.
"It was amazing to see so many people coming together, laughing and having fun. I met a lot of students I wouldn't have otherwise and now I feel like I'm starting to build my own community here," Price said.
For many first-year students such as Fassa and Price, events like Halo Halloween help them develop a feeling of belonging early in their academic careers. The combination of creativity, cultural learning and shared laughter produced an environment in which students could unwind, express themselves and feel connected to something more than their lectures or major.
In that spirit, ASA organizers expressed optimism that the event will continue to expand as a gathering place for both new and returning students to celebrate diversity and community.
