Being an American, I am accustomed to many celebrations. Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, The Super Bowl!...that’s what I know, or I can now say, knew.  Having lived abroad full time since 2006, I have been given the privilege of experiencing other festivals outside of my own small viewpoint - celebrations more unique to the country I was living in or visiting at a particular time.  The Lunar New Year, for example, the world’s largest movement of humans at one time, what many of us refer to as Chinese New Year, is celebrated across Asia in many different forms all holding the same values, rebirth, renewal, and forgiveness.  Happy Year of the Tiger! The Dragon Boat Festival in China reminds children of the story of a young poet- dedicated to his kingdom -who tragically died.  Songkran, the national holiday of Thailand, also brings millions of people out of their homes to celebrate the new year.  This unique holiday, which takes place in the middle of the hottest month of the year in that region, April, is a festival of water with children and adults alike soaking each other with everything from buckets filled with water, to water balloons, to super-soaker water guns.  It is truly an unforgettable experience.  One of my absolute favorites however is Dia de Los Muertos which is a traditional Mexican holiday linking together the indigenous culture of the native Mexicans and the new Catholicism of the Europeans who colonized the land.  A day to remember the deceased is more of a day of celebration rather than mourning.  A sensory overload of music, fashion, and the most vibrant colors the eyes have ever seen. 

With all of that said, I am anxiously awaiting to take part in my first Hala February.  Of course, there will be attractions across the State of Kuwait, and I can’t wait to see the Kuwait Towers lit up in the colors of Kuwait, but I will be lucky enough to experience this important celebration on the campus of AIU.   During the month of February, AIU will be hosting a plethora of events for the students to participate in and be able to enjoy themselves and learn more about their Kuwaiti heritage, culture, and traditions.  Having a proper work - life balance is important, and AIU strives to meet the needs of the students both in and out of the classroom.  There will be traditional music, student performances, painting, a student-led Bazar, just to name a few.  I couldn’t be more excited!  Stay tuned this month to see what AIU has on offer for you all to get your celebration on!