Teas For Event The Xavierite
On Jan.3, RA Jenin hosted an event on campus to promote diversity. The event was held in Rubloff Hall from 2-4 p.m.. The event was called Diversi-Tea. The inspiration behind this event was for students to come and enjoy some Starbucks tea while learning about what diversity is on campus.
As students walked into the event, they were given a choice of three different tea flavors that Jenin had brought. Some of the flavors included green tea, black tea, and herbal options including lemon and hibiscus.
Along with the tea that was being offered, students were accompanied by music that they could change to fit their desires.
Jenin Hasan, RA, stated, “Instead of picking out specific flavors myself, I asked the barista to randomly choose them, which felt more fitting for the theme. Just like people, diversity isn’t something we handpick it’s something that naturally exists, and that’s what makes it special. The idea behind the tea event is simple: we’re all different, but at the end of the day, we’re all human. Just like tea, each one has a unique flavor, origin, and purpose, but they all serve the same function. It’s a fun and cozy way to represent diversity while also keeping things warm for the cold weather!
This event was held for the first time to encourage diversity throughout events.
Throughout the academic year, each month is given an SXU core value. This month was diversity, which fits into Black History Month. In every event, there are opportunities to celebrate different cultures and backgrounds. It also allows the students to get creative with how we represent diversity.
“I’ve been an RA for three years now, and I always try to switch things up when it comes to my events. In the past, I’ve done things like beaded bracelets, where each bead represents something about a person’s identity. This time, I wanted to take a different approach and do something unique for the winter season,” stated Hasan.
Diversity can be found all around campus. Some of the other events that are being held in Feb. to celebrate diversity include bulletin boards and door decorating.
In recent years, RA’s have also done events to promote diversity. An event that was also done was a cupcake event. Throughout this event, students were able to decorate different flavored cupcakes while talking to people with different backgrounds.
Hasan continued, “These events aren’t just for residents! commuters are welcome too!”
Anyone is able to participate in the events to celebrate each core value. The core values consist of Respect, Excellence, Compassion, Service, Hospitality, Integrity, Diversity, and Learning for Life.
If students are interested in any of the events to celebrate the month of diversity, refer to The Den.