On the eve of Sept. 4, students gathered in Nideyinàn (formerly the University Centre) for the Festival of Lights. Purple tinsel fringed the entrance of Rooster’s Coffeehouse, leading to a vibrant display of Christmas lights and a floral-themed photoshoot booth.
The setup was one of many expression-oriented service centre zones guided by the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) staff.
The Festival of Lights, an immersive light experience, kickstarted fall orientation. Captivated by vivid colours and enchanting music, students explored themes of identity and introspection through various artistic stations.
The festival invited students to “explore self-identity,” according to Eman Elnaidany, CUSA vice-president (student life) and festival organizer. It also showcased CUSA service centres.
Elnaidany recalled how her adjustment to Carleton came with a stir of emotions, as orientation week is a time of new beginnings.
“I planned the festival around orientation week because it reminded me of when I was new here from Egypt. I felt alone, and it was hard to adjust to my environment. But I also felt proud because my journey was uniquely mine,” she said.
Throughout the evening, students participated in activities including lantern-making, a wall of mirrors, an interactive pride flag mural, a beyond-the-frame exhibition, medicine bag-making, Zumba and more.
Each station was curated to reflect the missions of Carleton’s service centres. The Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre zone highlighted representation and self-love, while the Mawandoseg Centre explored heritage and healing.
The intention behind the Festival of Lights was to support students in understanding their environment and to create space for heart-searching, according to Elnaidany.
“The theme of lights symbolizes the students’ guided journey on a path of creative expression, discovery and aspiration through uncertainty during university,” she said.
Elnaidany also dared service centre leaders to be bold with their artistic endeavours.
“I wanted to showcase something different than tabling. We decided on creatively designed interactive spaces which immersed students into sight, sound, touch and movement,” she said.
The Racialized and International Student Experience (RISE) zone navigated themes of culture and personal experience, with attendees participating in the lantern of truth and African drum show activities. Participants drew or painted things that inspired their life stories onto their lanterns. The finished lanterns were displayed on a string of fairy lights, giving the warm room an even brighter glow.
Meanwhile, the instructor-led drum circle introduced students to African music. Participants sat in a 12-person circle, rhythmically playing and connecting through drumming history.
Carter Jackson, a second-year psychology student, said the RISE zone was an encouraging place to think about undiscovered parts of himself.
“The drum circle inspired questions about my artistic expression. I thought about whether I was an arts and music person, or whether I want to participate in group or solo activities,” he said.
To Jackson, the lantern activity offered a reflective period.
“I was feeling nostalgic. I began to write the names of important people in my life. As I drew, I thought about why I value each person,” he added.
The Women’s Centre explored empowerment through a women in leadership exhibition.
In the atrium, students strolled through a garden of portraits enlivened by sparkling balloons and pink tinsel. Glowing lanterns strung photos of influential women throughout history.
Nyakueth Bim, a third-year economics student, said her experience at the exhibition was nostalgic and unifying.
“When I saw a photo of Serena Williams it reminded me of when my younger self looked up to her. I still admire her drive and strength. It was inspiring to see and learn the different stories of powerful women,” Bim said.
Having been immersed in the festivities, Bim said there was plenty to take away from the Festival of Lights.
“I had an exciting time,” she said.“It’s nice knowing there are spaces on campus dedicated to supporting us.”
Featured graphic by Alisha Velji/the Charlatan.
