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line formed outside of Old Union Hall on Sunday as students awaited the start of the Asian Outlook Launch Party, commencing the release of the organization’s newest magazine issue, “Interstellar.” Attendees stepped into a dimly lit, galaxy-themed space decorated with blue and yellow-tinted fairy lights and large cardboard star decorations set up in the back of the room.

A table with painted rocks and planets was highlighted by two blue-toned spotlights in the center of the room and white stuffing was scattered across the floor to mimic clouds. As people filed in, they were met by an introductory table, where they received a copy of the magazine issue, two tickets and a tiny booklet with information about the organization.

“I’ve been dreaming of this theme since a year ago; the night sky has always been so beautiful to me,” Kate Sum, the editor-in-chief of AO and a junior majoring in biology, wrote in an email. “On the loneliest days, the ones where life feels all too much yet not enough at the same time, I always turn to the stars, the moon, the endless abyss above. It reminds me how vast our universe really is, how small and insignificant I am in comparison.”

Guests moved around the room, engaging in a variety of activities and games. A payment of $1 or a redemption of tickets could be used at a doodle booth, where a custom doodle photo strip was provided.

Other activities allowed guests to earn tickets and with 15, 35 or 125 tickets, they could exchange them for a small, medium or large prize. New prizes were added to the mix every hour. Some activities included traditional games like mahjong and more creative ones related to the theme, like “mix-match star” and “comet crash.”

At an origami star station, attendees wrote down a wish on a strip of paper, which was then folded into a star. They could even get a tarot reading, body paint or play a black hole scoop game, which consisted of using a spoon to blindly scoop as many tickets into a bucket as possible in a limited amount of time.

Rui Zheng, president of AO and a senior double-majoring in environmental studies and geography, has been a part of the organization since her freshman year. In the event program, she described her experiences while contributing to AO as a “four year long passion project.” She explained how the target audience for both the event and the magazine aims for inclusivity.

“AO is open to everyone,” Zheng wrote in an email. “Through this event, we aim to spotlight Asian artists and writers in the student body, and showcase their work to the larger Binghamton population. However, that doesn’t mean we are Asian-exclusive. You don’t have to be Asian to submit to our magazines, attend our events, or be on E-Board — we are open to everyone who is interested!”

Along with games and activities, guests were welcome to take a break and browse some small businesses. A thrifting section included a clothing rack with an assortment of purses, shirts and skirts. Next to the rack, shorts and jeans were displayed on a table. If the clothing and accessories didn’t catch one’s eye, handmade jewelry full of stones and jewels was sold at two different tables. From $3 stickers to $10 keychains and bracelets, the options were plentiful.

Once guests finished shopping, they grabbed refreshments for $1 or $2, depending on their preference. A “supernova” was described as a butterfly pea tea lemonade, a “stellar spritz” as a virgin mojito and a “life on mars” as a red bean matcha latte. Cosmic brownies were sold alongside the unique drinks for a dollar.

A lounge with star-and-moon pillows and blankets decorated the floor and a large painting of a moon atop a reflective body of water with stars in the background was placed on the back wall, alongside a table of props where guests took pictures with friends.

An assortment of latest issues was laid out on tables near the lounge, with even more displayed on the window sills, so guests could browse past themes such as “Eternal,” “Onward” and “Lingering Shadows.” The cozy section of the hall allowed guests to take a minute and enjoy the hard work AO produced.

Stephanie Zhou, the secretary of AO and a junior double-majoring in computer science and mathematics, explained how she hoped the audience of the event or readers of the magazine would feel connected to one another through the party.

“This Magazine Launch Party aims to celebrate the release of our latest issue, ‘Interstellar,’ which tackles themes of loneliness, longing and self discovery,” Zhou wrote in an email. “We hope through this Magazine Launch Party, the audience may feel less alone in this vast galaxy and strengthen their connections with other students through fun games and activities.”