Culture Night
Kimi Ga Ita Basho
A place where we used to be was the phrase that was used last year to capture the story behind Iris the main character of “Songs For A Sleeping Tiger”. The phrase was later given new meaning to anyone that participated in the production of that years culture night when cast and crew would meet unexpectedly. Often times these delightful surprises would lead to the reminiscing of countless hours spent with each other. The phrase no longer applied to the death of Iris, but instead has taken new life in every heart that it has touched. Places like Humanities Hall both the building and the patio area surrounding the building and Dr. White Room at the Cross Cultural Center has become a special reminder of the bonds, feelings, and excitement shared between over 100 friends.
The phrase holds a very powerful meaning for myself. My indoctrination into Culture Night began with my internship with Chinese Association. My fellow interns and I were thrown into the rollercoaster ride that is Culture Night. It was during this time that I was really able to solidify deep rooted friendships with a lot of people. The single most powerful memory that I have of my experience of Culture Night is during “Hell Week” for Culture Night where one of the most important props that we worked so hard on over many weeks broke. It took us the all night and into the twilight hours of the following morning to build a brand new wooden reinforced snake head for a pivot fight scene. Through this all-nighter struggle I developed a bond stronger than casual acquaintances, it’s a bond that could only be forged by individuals who put themselves wholeheartedly into a common goal- I had found some of my closest friends. It is said that the friendships that you grow during your college years become branches that support you throughout the rest of your life. I am so thankful to have changed and been changed by the people friends.