East meets West - Tea and Chocolate-making workshop

HAIC Wellness Volunteers put their hands to work in a new iteration of “East meets West”, the guiding philosophy behind the activities funded by an ASU IDEA grant, under the guidance of Dr. Kimberly Peterkin and Dr. Adriana Szabo. This series of events seeks to enhance community belonging and commitment to diversity among students at our Hainan University-Arizona State University International College campus in Hainan, China.  

Rongqian, Zehui, Sijia, Yicai, Liqun and Xin facilitated the most recent event celebrating the intersection of Eastern and Western culture. The workshop provided a novel way for participants to enjoy the flavors that conquered everyone's palate -- tea and chocolate -- while bringing together Asian and Mesoamerican history through a tasteful (and tasty) hands-on experience. The event was built around the idea that gathering around the table to share a gastronomic moment might just be the best example of civil diplomacy, bringing us together in our celebrated diversity.  

P.S.: The rumors are true; we even made Dubai chocolate. 

Written by Kimberly Peterkin & Adriana Szabo, assistant teaching professors in the School of Community Resources and Development, Hainan University-Arizona State University International College (HAIC).