Cultural identity isn’t fixed—it shifts as we navigate different spaces. For Rochelle Lu SC ’28, returning home overseas meant realizing how much had quietly changed — her mother tongue slipping and familiar situations feeling awkward. Is cultural drift inevitable, and do we ever truly stay the same?
Tag: Culture
The Year of the Snake: Lunar New Year celebrations across the 5Cs
On Jan. 29, students across the 5Cs came together to celebrate the Lunar New Year and ring in the Year of the Snake. Lunar New Year is also commonly known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year and marks the start of the new year on the lunisolar calendar.
OPINION: Western fashion deserves cultural appreciation
Can I try on your cowboy hat? “Hell no,” is probably the response you would hear to that if you asked someone in your local honky-tonk. Writer Lisa Gorelik CM ’25 warns readers of Western fashion faux pas like this. From the style’s roots in Mexican Vaqueros and Native American peoples, Gorelik shows that Western fashion is complex, diverse and unique. Gorelik urges those interested in Western fashion to do their research and learn more about what they are wearing and the traditions associated with each aspect of the style.
Word for Word: Stop calling ‘Naomi’ the Japanese Lolita
Is “Naomi” by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki the “Japanese Lolita,” or is this nickname just a way to inferiorize a non-Western book? Anna R. Naigeborin PO ’28 compares the two novels and settles this debate.
Notes from Spain: the power of siestas
Currently studying abroad in Seville, Spain, Parishi Kanuga CM ’26 reflects on how the Spanish siesta has changed her way of life. Might we take the siesta as an example of how to slow down and deprioritize productivity?
Under the Canopy: A registered herbivore at the carnivore convention
In her environmental column, Annika White PZ ’24 comments on the paradox of being a vegetarian working at a BBQ restaurant.
Notes from Spain: The adjustment period
Every student studying abroad will take at least a few weeks to adjust to their new surroundings. Study abroad columnist Parishi Kanuga CM ’26 writes from Seville, Spain about getting used to culture shock and a relaxed pace of life in her new locale.
What’s in a place? Pomona College Mainstage’s ‘Kentucky’ tackles a complicated homecoming
From April 4-7 at Pomona College’s Seaver Theater, the semester’s Mainstage production “Kentucky” captivated audiences. Directed by Margaret Starbuck and written by Leah Nanako Winkler, the play delves into the intricate ways in which our origins shape our life paths.
APIDA brings Night Market to the Claremont Community
At the 5C Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Night Market on Nov. 19, crowds of students gathered to enjoy foods made by APIDA affinity groups and organizations across the 5Cs.
OPINION: Studying abroad on financial aid comes with extra baggage
Amidst the stories of glamorous romances in foreign countries and life-changing adventures, Klara Jacobs PZ ’24 gives a realistic take on what studying abroad looks like for a 5C student, especially for one on financial aid.