Worldwide snacks and lantern lighting brighten USU Eastern campus

This week was filled with even more culture, community, and traditions. From sampling international snacks to glowing lanterns, the students of Utah State University Eastern had plenty of opportunities to connect with each other and dive into the fall semester.

On Monday, Sept. 9, the Jennifer Leavitt Student Center (JLSC) was host of a global tasting center for the Around the World in 20 Bites event. Students sampled portions of treats from across the globe.
The items ranged from Australian ketchup flavored chips to Mexican spicy candies. Other tables even featured snacks and drinks from countries like South Korea and Sweden. This event encouraged students to try new things, learn more about the cultures that surround their own, and embrace the cultures represented on campus.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, students gathered on Fountain Field for the Eastern Lights event. Glowing lanterns floated into the fountain to symbolize new beginnings for the academic year; however, what made this different from the Luminary was its inclusiveness for returning students, not just freshmen and first-year students.

Afterward, students spread out across the field for a movie under the stars. This year, students had the opportunity to enjoy a screening of the Disney movie Tangled. For those who hadn’t watched the film, its significance became more obvious as the students and characters shared a lantern experience alike.

Utah State University Student Association (USUSA) made sure the events were not only fun, but also meaningful. They provided opportunities for students to share food and a bright night. A time to celebrate our differences, and to spend time together. From international flavors to floating lanterns, USU Eastern once again showed us how we could unite as a whole.