Boba Event | Photo by Arden Reimer | The Wright State Guardian
Asian-interest sorority holds boba and chopstick etiquette event for a cultural learning night.
Background
According to the organization’s Engage page, the Wright State University chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Inc. is a multicultural sorority that promotes sisterhood and cultural diversity.
Sierra Hinton, Kappa Phi Lambda President, explained the organization’s purpose and mission.
“Kappa Phi Lambda is an Asian interest, but not Asian exclusive, sorority. We do host cultural events and it’s just a safe place where girls who have this Pan-Asian background, or just even interested in it, can have friendship together, but also be able to share our cultures and ideas together since we do have similar backgrounds,” Hinton described.
The event
Hinton explained that boba is made from tapioca starch or “pearls,” usually paired with sweetened milk or fruit in tea. The drink combination originated in Taichung, Taiwan.
The organization welcomed over 20 attendees, providing insight about the history, ingredients, types of jellies, flavors and a video of boba tea production. After the boba presentation, Hinton and Vice President Jo Velasco described the background of chopsticks dating 5,000 years ago in China with the religious, cultural and folkloric history.
The sorority leaders also explained the dos and don’ts of chopstick use. Then, attendees were able to practice using chopsticks with boba mochi ice cream and boba candy.
The why and the future
Hinton explained the reason for holding the event.
“We want to be able to teach others about our culture, and we are Pan-Asian, so we like to choose various topics. This time, we felt we wanted to do boba since that’s really in popular culture right now,” Hinton said.
Velasco explained that the organization plans events during the summer, compiling research before the month of the event.
“We really want to make sure that our events are precise, and we want to make sure that all the information is accurate as well,” Velasco said.
Alongside building community, Hinton explained further significance in cultural events.
“It’s just really good to bring light to things that maybe other people wouldn’t really think or know about if they have not experienced it at all or even know that it exists,” Hinton said.
Velasco explained that Kappa Phi Lambda’s events are open to everyone.
“It’s not ‘show up because you’re Asian,’ it’s nothing like that at all. We want to make sure that everyone knows that they are allowed to come to our events, you know, we encourage that,” Velasco said.
WSU’s Kappa Phi Lambda is finalizing plans for events in the spring semester. For more information and a schedule of events, visit the sorority’s Engage page.
