Students gathered for Tea & Stories, a SWANA and MENA social fostering connection through shared tea, storytelling, and reflections on home, culture, and belonging.
Students, faculty, and staff gathered for Tea & Stories: A SWANA & MENA Social, transforming a simple afternoon into a meaningful exchange of culture, identity, and connection. Rooted in traditions of hospitality from Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the event created space for reflection, storytelling, and community-building.
SWANA and MENA are terms used to describe a broad and diverse region that includes countries across Southwest Asia and North Africa. While MENA is more widely recognized, SWANA is increasingly used to center the geographic and cultural identities of the region beyond colonial naming conventions. Both terms encompass rich histories, languages, and traditions that continue to shape the lived experiences of many students on campus.
Over tea and pastries, attendees engaged in thoughtful conversations about identity, belonging, and the meaning of home. One student reflected, “Home is whenever you build memories with people you love,” capturing a sentiment that resonated across the room. Another shared vivid memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia, describing the jasmine tree in her family’s home and how its scent remains tied to her sense of comfort and belonging.
These moments underscored the power of storytelling as a bridge between experiences. In a campus environment where students often navigate multiple identities, creating intentional spaces for dialogue is not just meaningful, it is essential. Building community through shared narratives fosters connection, strengthens support networks, and ultimately contributes to student success.
Events like Tea & Stories demonstrate that when students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are better positioned to thrive academically and personally. Through conversation, culture, and community, the gathering reinforced a simple but critical truth: Belonging is foundational to success.