Mahjong Club at Occidental College Bridges Cultures and Generations

The newly-formed Mahjong Club at Occidental College in Eagle Rock has quickly gained popularity, drawing in students and faculty for weekly games. Created by senior Alison Wong and sophomore Kelly Shen, the club has become a hub for cultural connection and community engagement. Activities have been organized since last month, attracting many who are either familiar or new to the game.

Meimei Zhang, an assistant professor of Asian Studies and the club’s advisor, spoke on the significance of the club in fostering relationships among students. “Mahjong is a game that brings people together,” Zhang explained. “I know many of the students are American-born Asian, so it’s a good way to help them get to know each other. I also think some of them are homesick, so this is a way to create some togetherness.”

The game, which requires strategic thinking, involves players working to complete a “hand” consisting of four sets and a pair of tiles, totaling 14. It has historically connected generations, being a particular favorite not only in Asian households but also gaining popularity in the Jewish community in the 20th century. Wong and Shen learned the game from their grandparents, highlighting its role in family bonding.

Shen emphasized the educational benefits of mahjong. “Apart from being very fun, it’s a great way to learn problem-solving and strategy,” she said. “You can also learn all the Chinese numbers through playing, which is an added bonus.”

The club’s founders are eager to share the game with their peers at Occidental. Wong stated, “I know so many people who don’t know how to play but have always wanted to learn. We want to provide an opportunity.” The games are, for now, limited to members of the Occidental community, potentially expanding in future.

The atmosphere in the club is reportedly very supportive, offering a sense of home for many Asian-American students on campus. Through mahjong, the club aims to not only teach a game but also impart a vital part of Chinese culture.

Izzy Shotwell, a writer for The Occidental, the student-run newspaper, reported on this recent development, noting its importance in the college’s cultural and social landscape.