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Crazy, Rich, and Asian

Maddie Stonebraker '27

Oct 18, 2024

On Friday, October 12, the Asian Student Union (ASU) organized a Simon Student Center Takeover, offering attendees drinks, delicious food, a movie screening of Crazy Rich Asians, and unforgettable moments.

The ASU at Mercersburg Academy is a student-led organization committed to creating community among Asian students. Co-vice President Tiana Lee ’25 stated, “We aim to provide Asian students with a sense of belonging and a place to connect with their cultures.” Additionally, Student Activities Leader Shubhlean Kaur ’27  said, “The overall goal is to launch a strong initial program that creates awareness about the ASU.” By organizing events and cultural celebrations, the ASU hopes to engage its members and the broader student body, creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can appreciate and learn about the variety of Asian cultures within the Mercersburg community.

The success of the evening came from the time spent organizing. Cecilia Wang ’25, the President of ASU, reflected on the efforts involved, saying, “The event took a lot of planning, especially organizing a trip to H Mart to gather everything we needed. We came up with the idea of a movie night early in the fall term and wanted to ensure we provided great snacks for everyone to enjoy.” The process also involved selecting snacks that appealed to many people. Arnav Rao '26, the Student Activities Leader, added, "We chose snacks and fresh fruit to offer healthy and enjoyable options for students." The ASU then contacted multiple departments to secure permission for the event and organize a budgeted trip to H Mart. "We then worked with the film club to select the movie and planned the food we'd serve," added Lee. Co-vice President Cocona Yamamoto '26 concluded, "It was a long process, but it was worth it!"

Overall, the food and film drew a diverse crowd. Wang said, "The event turned out to be better than we expected, thanks to the support from everyone involved." Rao added, "We gave away almost our entire supply of snacks in the first 35 minutes." Blanca Coronado Pomares '27 attended the event and stated, "I loved seeing the welcoming atmosphere where everyone was enjoying themselves and savoring delicious food." Harper Tiker '27 said, “It was a fun and welcoming event with people enjoying the movie and food.” 

The ASU has more plans for future events, hoping to maintain this positive atmosphere and strengthen student bonds. The takeover demonstrated the importance of cultural representation and the joy of shared experiences in communities.

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