"Home Is Where We Build Memories" Stories from the SWANA and MENA Social
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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.
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.