Enjoyable and Games Is a Common Language

Students from completely different cultures, united by their love for video games, gathered Monday for ALAS x AGA: Game Night. This was a collaborative occasion hosted by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) and the Asian Gaming Association (AGA). The occasion introduced collectively two cultural pupil organizations with one shared purpose: to construct group by video games, tradition, and connection.

Javier Gadea Solorzano, President of ALAS, shared how the collaboration started. He defined that the concept first got here up final 12 months. ALAS needed to companion with AGA, however AGA was busy on the time, in order that they determined to strive once more this 12 months. This 12 months, each organizations have been in a position to plan the occasion collectively. Gadea Solorzano shared that ALAS was impressed by how lively and standard AGA’s occasions are, which motivated them to succeed in out and create one thing collectively.

Each group hosted a sport that mirrored its id and tradition. ALAS hosted Lotería, a conventional Mexican sport that’s just like bingo however makes use of colourful image playing cards as an alternative of numbers. Lotería is a vital a part of Mexican tradition and is commonly performed at household gatherings and celebrations. 

AGA hosted its personal model of Jeopardy, making a aggressive and interactive expertise for college students. The sport inspired teamwork, quick pondering and pleasant competitors. This matched AGA’s mission of constructing group by completely different types of gaming. 

Beyond the video games, the occasion centered on fostering solidarity between college students from completely different backgrounds. Gadea Solorzano defined that the primary function of the collaboration was to convey individuals collectively. Rather than highlighting variations, the occasion celebrated shared experiences and mutual respect. Students have been in a position to take part in video games from each cultures, study one thing new and revel in a welcoming atmosphere.

ALAS works to protect and showcase Latin tradition at Minnesota State. The group can also be happy with making a secure and unified group for Latin American college students whereas supporting applications for all college students. Similarly, AGA’s purpose is to construct a robust Asian gaming group on campus and encourage connections amongst college students from completely different social teams.

When requested what excited him most in regards to the occasion, Gadea Solorzano stated he was particularly enthusiastic about “the blend of two different cultures.” That mix was clear all through the evening as college students laughed, competed and supported each other. MSU pupil Avigail Sanchez shared the identical sentiment in regards to the occasion. 

“Growing up, I loved playing loteria, so this game night really made me remember my childhood,” she stated. “I really enjoyed the event because I got to learn new things from a culture different from mine.” 

ALAS x AGA: Game Night served as a robust instance of how collaboration between cultural organizations can create unity, have a good time variety and strengthen the campus group.

Photo Caption: ALAS x AGA: Game Night is a superb instance of intercultural collaboration, signifying that variety is a energy. (Troy Yang/The Reporter)

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