Spotlight: University of Maryland College Park Taiwanese American Student Association
Any big events that are happening throughout the year?
We have many events throughout the year. One of our four earlier events was a Big/Little pairing event, which consisted of old and new members meeting each other and pairing them up based on preferences and interests. Very recently we hosted a joint event with the Filipino Cultural Association called Survive CP. It involves teams and taggers running around the campus trying to solve clues at different stations. Casino Night is our game night mixer for TASAs in the DMV area. We encourage people to dress up in light-hearted fun and come enjoy some pseudo-gambling with us. This year’s theme is the roaring 20s/Great Gatsby! We offer performances from various student organizations, delicious Taiwanese food, games, and culture activities. Night market attracts over 800 attendees each year, which makes the event very lively and festive.
What do you wish to accomplish on your campus/What influence or effect would yo like to have on people at your school?
On our campus, there has always been a slight rift between many of the cultural organizations on campus and we hope to help close that gap and make lasting impressions that will set a precedent of unity amongst the Asian Pacific Islander American community here at the University of Maryland.
What are some of your favorite things about Taiwan/Taiwanese culture?
Night market culture is very fun and is unique to Taiwan. It gives people the opportunity to sample different aspects of Taiwanese culture such as food, games, and traditional activities. Food is a very important aspect of any culture. In night markets, we get to explore different kinds of Taiwanese cuisine, and also talk about the culture behind each food. Night markets also have a lot of interesting games that integrate cultural aspects. We also love the traditional culture of Taiwan that is showcased. For example, yo-yo is a traditional toy that plays a significant role in Taiwanese history and is also utilized in performances.