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f you’ve ever watched the classic romantic-comedy 13 Going On 30 starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, you might remember the moment when Jenna Rink opens her eyes to a brand-new world. That’s how stepping into Monash Glow felt, moving from the “dark” of looming assessments into a burst of neon lights, music, and energy– the “glow”. The entryway draped with black curtains gave way to a badminton court transformed into a vibrant party space, where one of the first voices I heard was from our vocal powerhouse, Anagi Sathischandra, belting out Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody, one of my all-time favourites– instantly setting the tone for the night.

The glow did not happen by chance. It was carefully put together by Monash University International Student Services (MUISS) in collaboration with the Welfare Department. Held on Thursday, September 4, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM, the event transformed the campus badminton court into a hub of music, energy, and connection– giving students a chance to unwind, celebrate, and come together as a community.

From the moment you stepped in, it was clear that the organisers had thought of everything. The place was unrecognisable under the glow of neon decorations and pulsing lights. Students walked in groups, most dressed to match the theme – neon outfits, glitter, and glow accessories that shimmered under the black lights. I was genuinely mesmerised by how stunning all the girls looked, sparkling head to toe and completely embracing the glow-in-the-dark vibe and taking the opportunity to go all out with the dress-up.  Free ice cream and popcorn stations gave the event a carnival-like touch– the kind of small delights that kept conversations flowing and hands happily occupied.

Booths lined the corners of the hall. Some offered interactive games that encouraged laughter and friendly competition, while others gave students a chance to pause and chat. The highlight for many, though, with queues growing longer every minute, was the glow-in-the-dark tattoo booth. Armed with neon paint, volunteers transformed students’ hands and faces into glowing art. For me, it wasn’t just about the designs, although I did receive a lovely line of icy flowers down my finger, it was about the shared joy of comparing tattoos with your friends and taking photos that would capture the glow long after the paint washes off. 

Yet, as fun as the booths were, the true heartbeat of the night pulsed from the stage performances. One after another, Monash’s own student talents took the spotlight. Singers captivated the crowd with beautiful, soft and powerful vocals, their voices echoing through the night and leaving me awestruck. Then came the Monash University Street Dance Club, whose high-energy choreography had the crowd cheering, clapping, screaming and me, especially, speechless. Who knew our uni had this much talent? It was all uncovered that night. 

The energy only built higher with the much-anticipated fashion show. Ten students strutted down the runway, each step radiating confidence and flair. Every participant owned their moment to be the main character. What made it special wasn’t just the outfits or the lights, but the way the crowd responded: cheering, chanting, and lifting the models with the kind of encouragement only a student audience can give– a reminder that self-expression and confidence are as important to celebrate as music and dance.

And then, just when the night felt like it had reached its peak, the DJ took over. With fresh beats and bass drops, students gathered at the front, hands in the air, moving together in rhythm. The combination of flashing lights, thumping music, and glowing faces made the finale unforgettable –  a moment where nothing mattered except the beat, and in that moment, stress was just gone. 

As a first-year, second-semester student who doesn’t usually attend events, Monash Glow reminded me why I should: the chance to take a break, laugh with my friends who rarely get to spend time with me, share popcorn with them, and even get a glow-in-the-dark tattoo painted on my hand by a volunteer student who kept reassuring me that I looked good on a night where I was just exhausted. The performances were the highlight for me, because for a few hours I felt like a teenager at a party again– part of a screaming crowd cheering for their idols on stage, and, most of all, feeling free. The event was more than something on the university calendar; it was an escape. 

Written by Khardeeja Sapora

Photos by Crystal, Dinya, Regine, Thong Chen