Finals week is quickly approaching, and with it comes the frenzy of late nights and holiday activities. In Diversity Club at my school last week, I organized a dance party to help alleviate some of the tension this time of year brings. The energy in the room was infectious from the first beats of music. People I’d never seen before came to dance with us, which was really cool to see! As I watched strangers dancing together, I was reminded of the power even the smallest shared experiences can have. Upbeat hits and representative songs of culture kept the vibe full of life, with people coming up to request all types of songs.

Of course, no party is complete without food, so we offered a mix of cultural and familiar favorites. From freshly baked churros and conchas from our local Mexican bakery to classic breakfast foods like donuts and croissants, we wanted to have food for everyone to enjoy. 

What touched my heart was that this event brought our school closer together, even for just one period. In a chaotic and often overwhelming time, people let go of their stress to be joyful with each other. This reminded me that sometimes the most trivial things, like dancing to a good song or enjoying a warm churro, can create some of the most authentic moments.

I hope that with finals week approaching, this party gave everyone a little boost to make it a little easier, and I want to continue this as a tradition next semester as well!