The four-pointed star. Times three. Is everyone familiar with the sparkle emoji? It’s my favourite. When I think about the “Night in Monash”, that’s what comes to mind. The event took place on a young Thursday evening – the 10th of April – which was pleasant. Though not at first because it rained, but with a miracle, the outdoor movie night was on. Sadly, the stars barely turned up, but the night was alive with an audience excited for the screening of our classic childhood favourite, “Zootopia.” The bean bags and picnic mats were out. People gathered around with their friends, food and drinks from the wide variety of stalls at the bazaar. The atmosphere was vibrant with those who wanted to be transported back in time to when being a kid was easier. 

Many, at our age, would say, “That’s so childish” or ask questions like, “Why would we go watch Zootopia?” or some would just laugh at the idea of going to the event. The answer is . . I don’t know. “Why would you stress over an exam that’s over?”, “Why would you study all night without giving yourself a break?”, “Why go do things that will put yourself at risk in the adult world?”, “Since when did you lose the kid inside yourself?”. Every once in a while, it doesn’t hurt to just put everything down, relax, grab some snacks, go outside, and hang out with your friends on an open field – while a nostalgic movie, that brings back most probably less traumatic memories, plays in front of you on a big screen. It’s these rare experiences that allow you to feel more carefree, and we should take advantage of them, even just for a moment. You don’t even have to stay for the full movie, like me. Yeah, I dipped – halfway! But with a valid reason. To those who are also clumsy – I understand you. 

My personal experience included buying a salted egg yolk lava bun from the bazaar and then spilling it on myself after the first bite. Twenty minutes later, after failing miserably to remove the stain, the lingering smell of egg yolk made me nauseous, so I left. Lessons learnt: never eat something filled with molten custard when wearing your favourite top, and never eat it while lying horizontally on a bean bag. Anyways, at least I could cross ‘watching an outdoor movie’ off my bucket list and got to take a couple of selfies with my friends before my night ended with a very long shower. 

The event carried on with people making memories by taking pictures, eating delicious snacks and enjoying every bit of the movie. Eventually, the crowd got comfortable and everyone was laying back in their bean bags and mats, legs spread out, and just a serene look on everyone’s faces – smiles here and there. Everyone present proved to be the real stars of the night because of the good vibes they brought with them. And instead of letting the audience just enjoy one childhood movie, they were surprised by the screening of Big Hero 6 after. It’s nearly impossible not to laugh whenever Baymax deflated. Evidently, a delightful end to a night with no worries. 

We all need to take some time off from our busy lives and a moment to feel like a kid again – just going back to a time when almost everything around us could easily be described with a sparkle emoji – because only when we go back we fully embrace the message of “Try Everything” and apply it to the choices we make every day. Be daring. Be brave. Sparkle. Live your uni life with everything you’ve got and keep your head high because at Monash, anyone can be anything. 

written by Khardeeja Sapora
photos by Illiana Young, Sheng Jie, and Thong Chen