{"id":17632,"date":"2024-05-20T12:17:35","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T19:17:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sjcctimes.com\/?p=17632"},"modified":"2024-05-20T12:17:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T19:17:35","slug":"a-tale-of-two-clubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sjcctimes.com\/es\/17632\/campus-life\/a-tale-of-two-clubs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Tale of Two Clubs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Multicolor powder flies through the air. Shrieks of laughter ring out as students chase each other with water soakers. The Spring Cultural Festival, a combination of Myanmar\u2019s Thingyan and India\u2019s Holi, is in full swing.<\/span><\/p>\n

SJCC\u2019s network of clubs exist to serve student needs in different ways. Some support networks, while others introduce students to traditions from around the world. The Burmese Student Association and the Salaam Namaste Club, which hosted the festival, are committed to both of these missions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is involved with these clubs, and what benefits do students receive when they join them, though?<\/span><\/p>\n

The Burmese Student Association, also known as BURSA, provides a community and support group for Burmese students, as well as hands-on experiences for anyone who wishes to learn more about Burmese culture. Founded in spring 2023, the president of the club is Cheue Khant Nyi Nyi, a 19-year-old biology major and international student from Myanmar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI felt very lonely for the first semester because I couldn\u2019t find a community, because I left all my family and friends over there [in Myanmar],\u201d Cheue explained. She wanted a support network in her home away from home, and that\u2019s what inspired her to join BURSA. Eventually she became president of the club.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Cheue Khant Nyi Nyi, President of BURSA, outside the Metas Center at SJCC on May 2 2024. (Emerson Cody)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting the club off the ground was tricky in the beginning, since none of its members knew how to operate a club, or how to find funding. These issues worked out over time, and BURSA receives most of its funding from the Associated Student Government.<\/span><\/p>\n

The search for solutions is something Cheue attributes to the support and motivation of the club members. She says that her team and the club have changed her for the better. \u201cStarting a club gave me a community that supports me, and also letting me know that I\u2019m not going through this alone,\u201d she recounts.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of those dedicated members is Kyi Lin Minn Thant, a 20 year old public health student who immigrated from Myanmar. After being introduced to BURSA through an orientation, he decided to join, and he\u2019s now an officer who creates content for the club.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I moved to here, I didn\u2019t really have a lot of Burmese friends,\u201d Kyi said. He wasn\u2019t used to living in an entirely new country, speaking a language which wasn\u2019t his native tongue. Searching for a community led him to join BURSA, and he says that when he\u2019s in the Burmese community, \u201cI feel like I go back to my home sometimes, so it can reduce my homesickness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Kyi enjoys how democratic the club is. Though members do debate over ideas during meetings, they\u2019re able to come to a conclusion through a vote. In this vein, he said that, \u201cclub members are very friendly, and I think we are cooperative.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The BURSA club has hosted a couple of events for its students to get to know each other better, such as a movie night and an ice-skating icebreaker. The club is open to Burmese students who seek a community, as well as every student at SJCC who hopes to learn more about Burmese culture. \u201cWe are the Burmese student community, but it doesn\u2019t mean that it is only for Burmese students. Students of any race, any color, are more than welcome to join our own club,\u201d Kyi is sure to specify.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Salaam Namaste club, formed last semester, aims to introduce SJCC students to Indian celebrations and cuisine. \u201cI was really keen in having my culture be promoted and displayed, and having the students get the knowledge of how the culture is,\u201d Priyam Tated, president of the Salaam Namaste club, explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

Priyam, a 20 year old majoring in computer science, started the club with a group of friends after he noticed a lack of consciousness surrounding Indian cuisines and culture. The club had several members in the beginning, but progress was slow because of attendance issues. \u201cNot enough members could come at times at the initial stages,\u201d he explains, adding that not everyone is able to give equal amount of time to the club due to academic priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Priyam Tated, President of Salaam Namaste at SJCC on May 2 2024. \u00a0(Emerson Cody)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This issue mitigated itself as members settled into the club and got to know each other. Nowadays, the Salaam Namaste club has 21 members. They have hosted two major events this academic year: a Diwali festival in November, and the Holi portion of the Spring Cultural Festival in April.<\/span><\/p>\n

Priyam says Salam Namaste helped with his ability to lead. \u201cObviously it did reform my leadership skills. I have gained so much learning, so many leadership skills,\u201d he said. In the upcoming academic year, Priyam will take on another leadership position: President of the Associated Student Government.<\/span><\/p>\n

Members of BURSA and Salaam Namaste explain that students who join these clubs will meet friendly support circles and people who are dedicated to sharing their culture and traditions. They are headed by people who have experience in leadership and who are also in touch with students around the campus, not just in their own clubs.<\/span><\/p>\n




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Multicolor powder flies through the air. Shrieks of laughter ring out as students chase each other with water soakers. The Spring Cultural Festival, a combination of Myanmar\u2019s Thingyan and India\u2019s Holi, is in full swing. SJCC\u2019s network of clubs exist to serve student needs in different ways. 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