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The Spotlight
The student news site of Southern Lehigh High School

The Spotlight
The student news site of Southern Lehigh High School

The Spotlight

South Asian student association debuts at SLHS

Nicole Zweifel, Staff Reporter
May 3, 2024
The South Asian Student Association
Senior Alaiha Patel applies an intricate henna design.

In an effort to shine a light on South Asian culture, Southern Lehigh High School welcomed a new club during the second semester: The South Asian Student Association (SASA). Junior Janvi Patel and sophomore Alisha Shoaib co-founded the club with the mission to create a common space for students with similar South Asian backgrounds. 

“I made this club so people who share South Asian backgrounds can come together and have a familiar environment,” Patel said. “Our overall goal behind this club is to learn more about the South Asian culture and interact with other people who are from a similar background.”

The club also aims to encourage students from different backgrounds to learn more about South Asian culture. 

“I believe creating a club centered around South Asian culture may help to extinguish misconceptions about South Asian culture,” Shoaib said.

One important celebration for some South Asian cultures is the holy month of Ramadan. The Muslim community celebrates Ramadan to remember when the holy book of Islam, the Qu’ran was first revealed. Muslims pray regularly and fast from sunrise to sunset during the holiday as a way to better themselves spiritually.

“Our club values members that are fasting,” Shoaib said. To respect these students, “we have a rule of no eating during our [meetings] until Ramadan ends.” 

Otherwise, each Spartan period, they listen to music and try new foods and snacks such as bakar khan, fab biscuits, bon bon biscuits, mango lassi and mango juice with banana chips. The club also hopes to plan group activities for charitable purposes.

“One major event that we are thinking about holding is a henna competition to fundraise,” Patel said.

There is a strong dynamic within this club and being able to meet and connect with new people. Students get to meet new people, have fun with each other, and learn new things. 

The South Asian Student Association allows members to learn about a different culture and connect with other people through an energetic and inclusive environment. Looking forward into the future, the club hopes to spread awareness of how unique South Asian culture really is.

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About the Contributor
Nicole Zweifel
Nicole Zweifel, Staff Reporter
Throughout her last four years at Southern Lehigh, senior Nicole Zweifel has played a vital role in Southern Lehigh’s three publications. She served for two years as co-president of the Art and Literary Club which produces the annual Art and Literary Magazine, collaborated as a member of the Solehian yearbook staff, and reported for the Spotlight student newspaper during her senior year. “In our publications, we’re always working toward an end goal, and it was cool being able to see the end product of all the work we put into writing, reporting, editing, and making pages,” Zweifel said.  In fact, of all the teachers that Nicole has had in high school, there was one in particular that left the strongest impression: Mrs. Sheryl Ciotti, who served as the advisor for the Art and Lit Magazine. “Mrs. Ciotti has been a teacher in all aspects of my life,” Zweifel said. “She has always been very encouraging to me, and I made great memories with her through Art and Lit.” Naturally, Nicole’s favorite article to write for the Spotlight this year was “Farewell to Mrs. Ciotti, hello to Mrs. Fox,” which commemorated Mrs. Sheryl Ciotti’s time at Southern Lehigh High School before transferring to the district’s middle school, and introduced Mrs. Ella Fox as the high school’s newest English teacher.  Additionally, Nicole’s step-sister, who works as an environmental lawyer, has served as an irreplaceable role model in Nicole’s life by being supportive and influencing Nicole to have a strong work ethic.  As she reflects on the last four years, Zweifel notes that some of her favorite high school memories include attending pep rallies and Art and Literary Club Coffee Houses. “These were really fun experiences where we got to rally around each other as a community and see people’s talents shine in a supportive environment,” Zweifel said. After graduating, Zweifel plans to attend Northampton Community College and then continue her education at a university to study psychology with a focus on rehabilitation and human services. She found that after taking psychology in her junior year with social studies teacher Mr. Troy Ruch, she enjoyed learning about the brain and the complexities of human interactions.  “I think a career in which I am able to help other people would be very fulfilling,” Zweifel said.  Nicole dreams of going on a missionary experience with her church while traveling the world. She has also expressed interest in writing a book. “I just want to help others and serve my community,” she said. To underclassmen, Nicole leaves one last piece of advice. “Keep trying and never give up, because giving up will get you nowhere in life, and trying will at least get you somewhere.”