Kean P.U.L.S.E. Hosts Japanese Crafts for the Soul I Published November 26

By: Nefertiti Nzameyo  

The end of November is notorious for a bustle that complicates the urge for many, including students and professors, to have a peace of mind. 

Members of the Kean P.U.L.S.E. (Programming for Unique and Lively Student Experience) united to offset the burdensome academic overload at their Paper Dreams event in the East Campus lobby on November 18. The flyer read “UNFOLD YOUR CREATIVITY: LEARN, SNACK, AND CRAFT,” a glimpse into an outlet of calm and cultural appreciation inspired by the Japanese themed event.  

Aside from the check-in table where attendees were prompted to show their event passes, other tables introduced unique aspects of the East Asian country. There was origami (the art of paperfolding), calligraphy (Japanese artistic writing), Kendama (Japanese cup and ball game), and onigiris (Japanese rice balls).  

Kean P.U.L.S.E. manager Shaun Hunter wished for attendees to realize the importance of origami and its benefits on mental health. 

“It’s not just an event, and it’s not just something that students can enjoy but [it] helps you with anything that has to do with mental health,” Hunter said.  

According to The Spruce Crafts , the term origami derives from the Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper). The Japanese were the first to use paper as a medium for art during the 6th century. Although the popularization of the craft has allowed people from various cultures to learn the intricacies of the art form, it was once only accessible to the elite.

At the origami station, vibrant square sheets lay waiting to shapeshift and assume form like the rabbit and bird models inches away from them. As time passed and the seats at the station filled, members of P.U.L.S.E. supervised and hovered on standby to assist those confused with the instructions.  

When they were done, their eyes widened and smiles emerged as they admired their tiny, paper masterpieces.  

Laurie Theodule, a graduate PR major, is a frequent attendee of Kean P.U.L.S.E. events. The food, giveaways, and chance to interact with other peers are memorable parts of her time at past events. However, Paper Dreams unlocked a childhood memory for her when she was a middle schooler in after school, serving as a pure moment of nostalgia.  

“ I heard they were doing origami and I was like ok, haven’t tried that in a while… it helps [with] stress and everything,” said Theodule.  

On the opposite side of the origami station were the calligraphy and Kendama stations. Japanese caricatures reading “faith, peace, love, strength, and Japan” were models for attendees to practice the artistic writing style. An undeniable concentration and peace exuded from one attendee as she dipped the paintbrush in ink, dabbed the tray edge to remove excess ink, and made gentle strokes on her calligraphy paper sheet. 

Minutes later she was at the table next door with an identical concentration trying to land the ball (tama) in one of the cups (ozara/kozara). Cheers and gasps broke out as the ball sat balanced in the cup. Pulse’s media team hurried to her to seize the photo op.  

Kean P.U.L.S.E. is a student-led programming board that fosters unity and school spirit through event planning. They are actively looking to organize experiences that are unique in engaging the community with cultural lessons that expand their knowledge of the world around them and serve as a mode of self expression.  

Justina Dejesus, a board member of P.U.L.S.E. said, “We are planning events for the spring… we’re currently in the process of researching other cultural events so that’s still to be determined!” 

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