Under the glow of lights and the sounds of laughter, the Johnson Gym transformed into a lively night brimming with color, culture and connections. Students, local thrift businesses and cultural clubs gathered for the annual University Night Market, an event that celebrated diversity, creativity and community spirit on Oct. 18.
Unlike previous years when the market was held outdoors, this year’s event was moved indoors due to weather conditions, creating an intimate atmosphere where students could connect and celebrate despite the rainy weather outside.
From the moment the market opened, the air was filled with electric energy as students connected under the glow of lights. Music, laughter and the smell of delicious foods filled the room. The cultural clubs served dishes that took visitors on a trip around the world, with everything from arepas and Brazilian brigadeiro at the Andrews University Latino Association’s (AULA) booth, to savory pancit and ube brownies at the Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA) booth. Additionally, the other clubs in participation were Student Involvement, Leadership, and Activities (SILA), Andrews Indonesian Club (AIC), African Student Association (ASA), Andrews University Myanmar Student Association (AUMSA), and South Asian Student Association (SASA).
Members of the Korean American Student Association (KASA) dressed as characters from the popular Netflix movie “KPop Demon Hunters.” Their booth drew long lines as students stopped to take photos and sample their food. Each table told a different story, one of tradition, identity, and pride. Together, they formed a beautiful mosaic of cultures, inviting everyone to experience a piece of home from around the world. Each table held students who were proud to share their culture, telling different stories of various traditions and heritages.
Samuel Arroyo (sophomore, exercise science and pre-physical therapy), of AFIA, said, “I honestly thought this night market was great. Even though it wasn’t outside, we made it work. Also, there was a lot of food, and almost every club gave big portions. I almost got overwhelmed by so many cultures because their food was so good.”
Beyond the food stalls, the market highlighted student entrepreneurship and creativity. Arc Vintage and The Springs, both student-run thrift shops, showcased unique collections of vintage clothing. From vintage jerseys to different sweaters and one-of-a-kind jackets, every piece reflected the unique style and personality of its seller. It was the perfect blend of fashion and sustainability, and students eagerly browsed through the upcycled fashion, supporting their peers and also promoting eco-friendly shopping.
Daniel Morales (junior, architecture), one of the founders of Arc Vintage, said, “I think that night market turned out pretty good despite being indoors this year! I thought there wouldn’t be a lot of people because of the rain, but there was surprisingly a good amount!”
By the end of the evening, the gym echoed with the energy of togetherness and celebration. The University Night Market was not just an event, but a reflection of what makes the university community so special: its diversity, its creativity and its heart.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.