South Asian Student Association continues planning events for the school year in the hopes of
bringing South Asian culture to light and celebrating diversity through different activities.

SASA, sponsored by AP psychology and sociology teacher Amy Buckingham, had their first
meeting of the year on Oct. 11. They described their mission as educating students on South
Asian culture and discussing what is not talked about in school classes. “South Asian culture is
very vibrant and very rich in history. It goes much beyond what AP World History teaches you,”senior and club president Ayan Ghosh said.

The club is not just for South Asian students. Students of any cultural background can participate in the club’s activities. “SASA is not a restrictive club, meaning anyone can join and attend all meetings,” senior and club president Ganeev Kaur said. “My friends who are not South Asian love to take part in the in-school and out of school celebrations.”

One of the club’s major goals is to help students accept and celebrate their identity. “Clubs like
SASA provide students with a place to find people similar to themselves and help them find a
way to embrace that part of themselves,” Ghosh said.

Another goal of SASA is to provide an accepting and comfortable environment for discussion. “I think it’s a great club for anybody, South Asian or not, because everyone is just so friendly and you’ll fit right in,” junior and club member Sanjana Mudiya said.

Last year, SASA collaborated with Race and Equity, a student-run committee that works for
racial justice. Together, they brought back International Night at school after a decade of its
absence. “My favorite event last year was probably International Night. There was so much
going on like the food, henna and the tattoos,” Mudiya said. “I met a lot of fun people that night and I’m really looking forward to it again this year.”

In the future, SASA is looking forward to having more regular meetings and celebrating
upcoming holidays. At their meeting on Oct. 11, junior and vice president Rhea Chelar said that the club is planning a Diwali potluck, celebrations for Holi and Eid, fundraisers and movie nights for this school year.

SASA is a club found in high schools and colleges across the country. Kaur said that the club is
looking forward to collaborating with college SASA groups this year to have formal discussions on the South Asian experience. SASA is interactive and open to feedback from all members. “Students are free to send us DMs or talk to an officer if they have any fun ideas for meetings,” Kaur said.

Meetings are usually once a month, but are scheduled around holidays as needed. Students can join by sending a message to @woottonsasa on Instagram to get on the mailing list. “We’re here to be your friend. We’re a club where people come together to have fun and enjoy themselves. What’s better than that?” Ghosh said.