The South Asian Student Association, sponsored by special education teacher Jeffrey Steinbach, will meet in the library once a month to celebrate and learn more about South Asian culture.
SASA is led by Co-Presidents Joanna Jacob and Reya Kurup. Both presidents will be attempting to meet more often this year compared to the amount that the club met last year. The club’s goal that they will strive to meet is “where students of South Asian heritage (or anyone who is interested) can celebrate and learn more about South Asian culture, and provides a comfortable environment for all South Asian members to talk about their culture,” according to the club spreadsheet. The club kicked off their year with their first meeting on Oct. 8 which took place in the library, which is where the club is expecting to meet throughout the year barring any setbacks.
The club will have potential leadership opportunities for people who are genuinely interested and qualified. People who get these positions are required to do work throughout the year for the club. Students who may be interested should have received important information at the first meeting from the co-presidents on how it will work. The positions that will be offered will include “a social media manager, treasurer, and secretary,” Jacob said.
Returning members should be familiar with how meetings and events typically operate, but newcomers are always warmly welcome to join meetings and activities. This year, the club gained new members during the Club Expo, attracting students from freshman to seniors. “I joined the club to celebrate and connect to my South Asian community,” junior Rahul Basam said.
Students who are in the club are expected to consistently attend meetings, and if possible they should attend events that take place outside of school. Events outside of school will be potluck styled events usually near holidays that are widely celebrated amongst all.
Potlucks will be held at someone’s house, where everyone is recommended to bring in one item to share with the club. These events will provide chances for members to socialize and interact with other club members along with providing a chance to hang out with friends.
The South Asian countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, along with other countries which celebrate countless holidays that the club will attempt to celebrate. Main holidays include Diwali and Holi which are widely celebrated holidays in parts of South Asia.
Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated in early November so members of the club can look forward to an associated potluck event outside of school. This will not be the only event celebrated throughout the year by the club as they are attempting to celebrate other holidays throughout the year. The club this year intends to celebrate other holidays which include, Holi, which is a colored theme festival celebrated in India, Friendsgiving for Thanksgiving, and a couple bonding events like a movie night just for fun.
