February 2024’s Social Night - The Sounds of the Dragon that Echoed Friendship | By Aminath Yanaal Mahmood
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| Illustration by Kirtikka (@kirtii05) |
Illuminating hues of red, gold, yellow, and white, the Grand Hall of Taylor’s Lakeside Campus was filled with countless freshmen ready to dive into a new chapter of their lives by attending their final and most anticipated orientation event - the Social Night. The Grand Hall, usually a space for exams and formal events, had transformed into a melting pot of cultures, symbolising the beginning of a shared journey for students from different backgrounds. The evening started around 7 pm with friendly openings from the emcees, breaking the ice and easing the participants into an unforgettable night.
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| Photographed by Yong Qi - Orientation Leaders |
The first social night of the year was distinct in ways like no other - the event had a more festive vibe as it revolved around the Chinese New Year theme. Showcasing a fraction of Malaysian Chinese culture, the participants enjoyed their first glances into the vibrant atmosphere of their newly joined university. All around were excited faces slowly warming up to each other through the shared appreciation of the cultural richness surrounding them.
Chinese New Year is a spirited and joyous celebration that marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year in the Chinese calendar. It is a time of family reunions, feasts, and cultural festivities that typically last for 10 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Symbolizing the renewal of life and the welcoming of good fortune, the festival is characterized by colourful decorations, traditional lion and dragon dances, and the exchange of red envelopes containing "hongbao" or lucky money.
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| Photographed by Marshal - Orientation Leaders |
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| Photographed by Marshal - Orientation Leaders |
Of course, no Taylor’s Orientation Leaders event would be complete without a few fun games to help everyone mingle together. True to Taylor's spirit, the Orientation team had ingeniously incorporated a series of engaging games that seamlessly blended laughter, camaraderie, and a touch of friendly competition. The lively atmosphere in the Grand Hall transitioned into one of enthusiastic participation as students eagerly formed teams, bridging gaps and forging connections with newfound friends. It is without a doubt that we must really take a moment to appreciate our orientation leaders who worked effortlessly to make each freshman’s orientation a special experience.
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| Photographed by Yong Qi - Orientation Leaders |
For many of us, attending our orientation marks a big step into the unknown, a leap into a realm where possibilities seem boundless, and friendships are waiting to unfold. As we navigated through the dynamic energy of the social night, the pulsating beats of traditional Chinese music fused seamlessly with the laughter and excitement that echoed through the hall.
With each dance, laughter, and shared moment, the Grand Hall transformed into a space where strangers became friends and where the tapestry of our individual stories started weaving together into the collective narrative of the Taylor’s Lakeside Campus community. The social night was more than just an event; it was the prologue to the tales of growth, discovery, and lifelong connections that awaited us in the chapters of our university journey.
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| Photographed by Marshal - Orientation Leaders |
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