Mana program celebrates Lunar New Year, uniting different cultures

The MANA Program celebrated Lunar New Year, where they had different Asian cultures come together with food and drinks, along with a stand full of “Words of Affirmation” letters for goals in life, welcoming people to the event on Feb. 17.

This event was organized by MANA Program counselor Mai-Thi Pham, who shared that by giving out these red cards typically filled with money, “You are wishing good fortune and good energy for the new year,” Pham said.

This event wasn’t just meant for the Asian community, but instead for all people and various clubs.

At a table close to the stage, Asian Pacific Islander Desi (APID) club president Raeven Ramos and social media rep. Sara Valdez-Salazar were there to encourage those close to join or take a flyer if any student took interest in joining the club. 

Salazar, while not of Asian descent, has found the club welcoming and a good learning experience.

“There is so much to learn from the Asian community. The LBCC population is very diverse. The club cares so much about inclusivity and welcoming other people,” Salazar said. 

^{MANA Program counselor Mai-Thi Pham, left, plays Bau Cua Ca Cop, a Vietnamese gambling dice game, with a group of students at the MANA Program Lunar New Year Celebration on Feb. 17 at the LAC campus. (Tien Nguyen)}

Many were present during the event, many of different cultural backgrounds, like LBCC student Crystal Rios.

“I get to see other cultures, I love reading about other cultures, and what they do, so that’s why Lunar Year is significant to me,” Rios said.

One of the club members of MANA, Tristan Nguyen, expressed appreciation for LBCC allowing their students to culturally express themselves through events.

“I think it’s super important, I think it’s really awesome that LBCC has the space to do this. So in the end of the day, as the MANA program, we made sure to be seen, heard, and have the space on campus to do these events, like look around the room, we have outside organizations, we have the program itself,” Nguyen said. 

Nguyen also shared that the event brought everyone together.  

“We have our family and friends show up, even the student wards are enjoying themselves, so we’re just kind of seeing ourselves come together,” said Nguyen.