On March 12, members of the Asian Club staged an impromptu Asian night performance after news that Southern Adventist University was going to switch to distance learning for the rest of the semester.
The show included seven performances that highlighted the cultures of Korea, the Philippines, China, Japan, Indonesia, the Oceanic Islands and India. It took place in the Iles P.E. Center and was put on by students as a surprise for nursing junior and Asian Night Director Issac Abraham. “[Country leaders] felt so bad that everyone had worked so hard [for the show], especially Issac,” said management senior Rodny Aquino. “So, they asked us if we would be willing to come last minute to perform and surprise Issac.” Abraham said he is happy to have seen the performance and thankful for the effort of everyone involved. “I could never imagine or ask for a better team. The amount of effort put into this is insane,” Abraham said. “They stepped out of their comfort zones and took time out of their busy schedules to make this amazing night. …I would like people to see the potential of what the Asian community has done on this campus in bringing a sense of unity among everyone else.”
For many seniors, like Aquino, this was their last time to see the show as students. “[Asian Night] was very important for me and for everyone, especially seniors, because it was a time where we could get some closure, which was something I was so sad that I wasn’t going to be able to get,” said Aquino, who was also one of the dancers for the Indian and Tonga groups. “Besides, [with] the negative news we have received, it is so good to know and see the energy and love that the students have for this club, Southern, and each other.”
The show ended with a mock graduation for the seniors who were present, and Aquino handed out imaginary diplomas. Asian night is the last cultural show of the semester and was originally scheduled to take place on April 4, after spring break. Earlier that day, Southern made the decision to move classes online due to COVID-19 concerns.
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