A Surprise Email
In late January, an email titled, “Game night collaboration” caught my attention.
My name is Marilyn Matar and I am the director of the Language House Living Learning Program, which focuses on language and culture immersion. I hope I have the right email addresses and the right people! I have seen your Instagram page and read the article in the Diamondback about Sea my Culture. Congrats on this great endeavor!
I was hoping we could collaborate on a small event this semester for the students and community of the Language House. As you can imagine, the Language House is a multicultural, multilingual space, and our aim is to raise awareness among our students about cultural diversity and inclusion, so your project particularly caught our attention because it aligns seamlessly with our interests in promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering a sense of community.
YES, YES, YES!
I was exhilarated every time when people read about Sea My Culture on Instagram or in the news and reached out to us because they wanted to create an inclusive community. I quickly met with Marilyn and of course played the game with her. She enjoyed it so much and immediately saw the possibility of playing it with her students. She also encouraged me to share our story of developing the game with the students.
On a warm spring night in April, the students at Language House gathered together to play Sea My Culture (and to eat some very delicious Korean food). What is so special about that night is that the students not only bring their own culture in discussion but also bring the culture of the language they are learning. “We really had fun. I am amazed by how in such a short time we can know so much about each other. Our community feels closer.” Marilyn said.
On my way home, I was reflecting on how a game initially designed for elementary and middle school students is also liked by so many adults. Maybe we should start thinking about building a version for college students ;)
Onwards!
By Xinyi Zhang
April 2024