By Elijah Penn, Staff Writer
The ordinary passerby may have found it odd to see a group of people having a tea party in the lobby of the Student Community Center. Still, the sounds of laughter and friendship were unmistakable.
On Oct. 3, the Saint Leo University chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honors society, hosted a “Teatime in Wonderland” social event.
Around 20 people gathered around an Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party to eat delicious sandwiches, desserts, and, of course, drink a wide assortment of teas. Meanwhile, the conversation around the table centered on favorite books, movies, English classes that the students have taken, and stories and poems that they have written.
A spirited discussion ensued about what people thought about the controversial protagonist in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, among those who have read the book for Dr. Kathryn Duncan’s Intro to Literary Study class.
While the event was focused on all things literature, students from all majors were welcome to come. They talked about shared interests and made new friends.
They sipped warm tea out of beautiful teacups as it rained outside, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Angeliki “Angie” Thomas, a sophomore English major, attended because of her love of tea parties and hanging out with her fellow English majors.
“The decorations, food, and tea were nothing short of perfect for the party. The whole society came together to pitch in little elements to bring it all together. Every single one of us added our own touch to the party, and it really contributed well to the theme of Wonderland,” Thomas said.
Indeed, for Thomas, preparing for the event was almost as fun as the event itself, as she talked with her friends from Sigma Tau Delta, a club that Thomas had looked forward to joining since her freshman year.
“If you are a lover of reading and writing and are interested in being in a community of genuine, kind, and hardworking writers, I would advise you to join Sigma Tau Delta,” Thomas remarked.
She noted that the club was hosting a “Spooky Reading” event on the Friday before Halloween and encouraged anyone who enjoys reading to RSVP on Engage Leo to attend the event.
“I am very proud of the society, especially our team leaders and supporting members, and professors who contributed to making this party a success. I was also impressed with the turnout of the event and seeing so many English majors come out to support the society and its members,” Thomas concluded.
Overall, the event was a great gathering of friends and sparked new friendships over the shared passion for literature. While the tea, snacks, and décor were a splendid addition, the communitywas the event’s greatest centerpiece.
