The 270 Chronicles tells stories within Bowling Green’s 270 area code, 270 words at a time, featuring niche events, organizations and people that make up our local community.
Students gathered in the Majils room of the Mahurin Honors College for the last monthly Chai Chat of the semester on Thursday, Nov. 21 to learn about and enjoy refreshments from cultures across the local community.
“We have Chai Chats so that someone can share their traditional tea or food or anything about their country,” Niang Dim, a graduate student from Burma said.
According to WKU’s website, an international student will host the chat once a month, and provide a small presentation and drink from their culture.
This month’s Chai Chat was centered around Bolivian culture. Junior Mariana Zegada from Cochabamba, Bolivia, gave a brief presentation about common foods and places in her home country. Zegada shared a Bolivian sauce called llajwa, commonly served at lunch and dinner, and chamomile tea.
“It’s really fun to learn about different cultures,” Zegada said. “I like that because it’s international people, you’re also getting a real opinion and people are telling you how it actually is.”
Gregory Scianimanico, a junior Spanish and sports management major from Louisville, said that he enjoys attending the various Chai Chats. He said that he is intrigued by other cultures.
“As a student, I think it’s cool that we have opportunities like Chai Chats so that people can share something about their culture,” Scianimanico said. “I just think it’s a really healthy environment.”
Zegada said that her favorite part of the Chai Chat was sharing aspects of her culture with willing participants.
“I feel like there’s something special about it,” Zegada said. “There’s people that care and are passionate about learning other cultures and traditions; I feel like that’s something that’s just good for their hearts.”