How Friendships Start at a Social Club Like Ours
Have you ever walked into a social club event not knowing anyone — and walked out with a new friend, a study partner, or someone who just gets you? That’s the quiet magic that happens at our Seneca Taiwanese Student Association (STSA) events.
When I first started STSA, my goal wasn’t just to host activities — it was to build a safe space where strangers could feel comfortable enough to laugh together, share stories, and belong. Over time, I’ve seen how a simple hello can spark meaningful friendships that last far beyond the semester.
From Small Talk to True Connection
At one of our first meetups — a cozy afternoon gathering over bubble tea — two new students from completely different backgrounds sat beside each other by chance. They discovered they both loved playing badminton, exchanged contact info, and a week later, they were already planning their first friendly game after class.
A few others soon joined in, and now it has become a monthly activity within their small group. What started as a casual chat over drinks has grown into a friendship that brings people together — both on and off the court.
That’s when I realized: friendships don’t just happen — they grow from small moments of connection.
Games, Laughter, and Shared Memories
Whether it’s a social meetup, a campus trip, or our Cultural Festival booth, each moment is about bringing people together – to talk, laugh, and feel like they belong.
Sometimes the best moments aren’t planned — like when one student nervously tried balloon twisting for the first time and accidentally made a “snake” instead of a dog, and everyone burst into laughter. That moment of shared fun turned a room full of quiet students into instant friends.
That’s what community looks like: finding joy in small, imperfect, real human moments.
Confidence Through Belonging
Many international students arrive in Canada feeling uncertain — about their English, about making friends, or about fitting in. But when they join STSA, something changes.
They start by attending one event just to “look around.” Then, they join the group chat. Then, they volunteer. Soon, they’re the ones welcoming new students and saying, “Don’t worry, I was nervous too!”
It’s not just about friendship — it’s about confidence. It’s about realizing that you don’t need to change who you are to belong. You just need the right space to be yourself.
The Secret Ingredient: Shared Culture and Open Hearts
What makes the STSA community unique is how it blends comfort and openness. Our shared love for Taiwanese culture brings familiarity — bubble tea, night market games, Lunar New Year traditions – but our doors are open to everyone curious to learn.
We’ve seen students from Hong Kong, Korea, India, and even Canada join our meetups because they wanted to experience Taiwanese hospitality. And they stay because of the warmth and friendship they find here.
More Than an Event – It’s a Memory
Every photo we share on Instagram: the laughter, the food, the smiles — tells a story of connection. Behind each picture is a group of students who showed up not knowing what to expect, but left feeling part of something bigger.
I often hear members say:
“I came alone, but I never felt alone.”
“It’s my first semester in Canada, and STSA made me feel at home.”
Those words mean everything to us.
Join Us and Be Part of the Story
If you’ve ever hesitated to join an event because you don’t know anyone – this is your sign to come anyway. You never know who you might meet, what story might begin, or how one conversation could change your college experience.
At STSA, every connection counts. Every smile matters. And every student — from Taiwan or anywhere else – is welcome here.
Closing Thought
Friendship doesn’t always start with big gestures. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as sharing snacks at a meetup, asking, “How are you doing?”, or helping someone find their classroom.
That’s the power of connection — and that’s what we celebrate at every STSA event.
If you’re searching for connection and a place to belong, you may also enjoy reading “From Alone to Belonging“, where I share a more personal story of finding community as a current student.
Media & Content Disclaimer
Media & Content Disclaimer:
All images used in this blog post are sourced from royalty-free platforms and are used for educational purposes. Content was created by the author and edited for clarity and originality in accordance with course guidelines.
Author: Caroline Cheng
Founder & President, Seneca Taiwanese Student Association
Student Ambassador, International Student Support Group