By Linh Tran
Reflecting on Community, Culture, and Leadership: VISA’s Spring 2025 Events
The Vietnamese Student Association (VISA) at the University of Michigan had the incredible
opportunity to organize two impactful cultural events during the spring of 2025: Tết & Chill
2025 and Xin Chào Việt Nam: Heritage & Harmony. Both events brought together members of
the Vietnamese and greater student community and served as vibrant celebrations of Vietnamese
culture, identity, and connection. These successful programs were made possible through the
collective efforts of our team and the inspiring leadership that guided us every step of the way.
Tết & Chill 2025 was an intimate and meaningful event to celebrate the Lunar New Year, a
cherished holiday for many Vietnamese people. Despite being far from home, 40 Vietnamese
students gathered to honor traditions, share food, and enjoy festive activities that brought
comfort and joy. The event created a warm and welcoming space where students could unwind
and celebrate their cultural heritage with friends and peers. Participants found a sense of
belonging and community through games, crafts, and conversation. It was a reminder of how
powerful simple, heartfelt events can be, especially when cultural connection is most needed.
In contrast, Xin Chào Việt Nam: Heritage & Harmony was VISA’s most significant event of the
year and an authentic cultural showcase. With an official attendance of 75 and an actual turnout
potentially closer to 90, the event brought together students, faculty, and guests from multiple
universities, including but not limited to Michigan State University, Bowling Green State
University, and the University of Toledo. Attendees enjoyed various cultural activities—from
Vietnamese calligraphy to traditional games like can-throwing and a recreated “corner store”
reminiscent of home. The event celebrated Vietnamese heritage and fostered cross-cultural
appreciation, making it a meaningful experience for all.
The success of these events can be attributed mainly to the strong leadership within VISA. Our
planning team demonstrated dedication and vision and the ability to adapt and collaborate
effectively. Leaders worked tirelessly to manage logistics, engage volunteers, and ensure that
every detail—from event flow to cultural authenticity—was thoughtfully executed. Our success
was founded on clear communication, a shared sense of purpose, and a commitment to
community impact. This experience reaffirmed how great leadership is not about individual
recognition but about empowering a team to create something larger than themselves.
We also owe special thanks to the Barger Leadership Institute at the University of Michigan,
whose generous funding made these events possible. Their support allowed us to bring our ideas
to life, offering students opportunities to engage deeply with Vietnamese culture. More than just
financial assistance, the institute’s backing represents an investment in student leadership,
cultural celebration, and community-building. We are deeply grateful for their role in helping
VISA foster a stronger and more inclusive campus environment.
These two events exemplify the power of culture, community, and leadership. As we look
forward to future initiatives, we carry the lessons and inspiration from this incredible season of
connection and celebration.
