On November 8, FASCA Michigan members proudly took part in Michigan State University's Global Festival, a vibrant public celebration hosted by the Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP) at the university's International Center. This marked FASCA Michigan's 11th year of volunteering at this dynamic cultural event, continuing their tradition of fostering global understanding and community spirit.
According to CVIP volunteer Jessica Hall, the MSU Global Festival has "supported cultures by giving them an opportunity to showcase." Indeed, FASCA volunteers operated a vibrant table about Taiwanese food, technology, natural features, and arts. Moreover, the volunteers connected with local Michiganders through a multitude of engaging activities. For one, FASCA members translated English names into Mandarin and, using calligraphy, painted these names onto bookmarks. Adorned with Chinese knots, these unique and personalized bookmarks were gifted to various attendees. Many visitors left with another souvenir: temporary tattoos featuring the Formosan Black Bear—a big hit among children and adults alike. Volunteers also implemented a "spin-the-wheel" activity, a fun and educational game that involved Taiwan-related trivia. Other volunteers showcased their Chinese yo-yo skills, drawing a small crowd, and taught guests how to spin the yo-yo themselves.
FASCA member Will Li shares his experience: "This is my fourth year at MSU Global Festival. The knowledge of helping others, introducing Taiwan, and letting other people know our culture. It is pretty fun! To me, not just service hours are important, but having fun in here, and gaining a lot of experience as I learn every single culture."
FASCA members also supported their fellow Taiwanese-Americans on the Michigan Lion Dance Team. Marching through the halls of the International Center onto the main stage, the Michigan Lion Dance Team performed a lively rendition of the Lion Dance, complete with drumming, cymbals, and banners that read "Go Green!". The presentation captivated the audience, which erupted into thunderous applause at the lions' final bows.
FASCA members also explored the festival themselves. By trying on Indian sarees and Japanese kimonos, tasting Vietnamese moon cakes and Turkish coffee, learning Ukrainian bracelet crafting and Singaporean Pitch-Pot, and engaging in a plethora of other interactions, FASCA volunteers built genuine connections with diverse minority communities.
Volunteering at this event was an enriching experience for FASCA members. A parent of a FASCA volunteer, Holly Lin, shares his perspective: "This experience broadened her horizons and made her more appreciative and respectful of different cultures. As a parent, I can clearly feel that my child has become more responsible, more open-minded, and more proud of her own cultural background."
Reported by FASCA Michigan news team: Gwyneth Lin
