The University of Memphis has many organizations and programs for its students, created by students. One such organization is the VSA (Vietnamese Student Association). However, like this organization, information on the different activities, volunteer opportunities and cultural enlightenment is cast in the shadows.
So what exactly is VSA and what does it set out to acheive? In short, it is an association created by students who want to give share the holidays, language and Vietnamese culture to other students, with the ultimate goal of inviting people into the community, whether you are a member or simply a visitor.
Lysa Lin – a member of VSA and student at the University of Memphis – said, "We try our best to show people more about our culture, the Vietnamese culture, because we are proud of it and want to share that with as many people as we can and to those who are interested in learning more.”
Some of these activities include bonding and learning little things about yourself. During a February 2 meeting, members had the audience label themselves based on their Chinese Zodiac sign and find others to match with them. The spin had the audience facing a wall, only turning around when looking for your partner or group. It was a room crowded full of with pacing, laughing and a tree.
Even VSA's origami classes can offer an interesting learning experience. But the spring semester has been a struggle for the group so far. Between COVID-19 and the ice storm that caused power outages, the VSA has had to postpone its celebration of the 2022 Lunar New Year to Feb. 22.
According to a VSA Meeting Powerpoint on the holiday, the event is basically a time where Vietnamese families “offer gifts in the form of food, flowers, and incense. The night before the new year, families perform a ritual where incense sticks are burned inviting the spirits of their ancestors to join them in celebration. This is also a time to bid farewell to the family’s Kitchen God (Ong Tao), who then returns to heaven to report on the family’s behavior in the past year to the Jade Emperor.”
This event gives significance to the aforementioned tree. With the plastic tree, the association had their guest make an origami flower holding a wish inside and place it on the branches. This tree will be displayed during the Lunar New Year event.
Lin wants to continue to break down barriers with the organization and encourage students to experience new cultures.
"[I hope this helps] break the stigma that you can only join a minority club only if you are that minority."
VSA Members and guests put their origami flowers on the tree on February 2, for the Lunar New Year Event.
