For many students on campus, St. Patrick’s Day is a familiar celebration filled with green decorations and festive traditions. For an international student, however, the experience can feel entirely new. On March 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., students at Governors State University gathered in the Hall of Governors atrium for the “Make Your Own Luck” fundraiser hosted by Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

The event was organized around the idea that luck can be something people create through mindset and effort. Psi Chi members sold motivational shamrocks for $1, each featuring inspirational quotes from psychologists encouraging students to adopt a positive and resilient mindset. As an international student experiencing St. Patrick’s Day traditions for the first time, the event provided a unique opportunity to understand how cultural celebrations in the United States often combine fun, creativity, and meaningful messages about motivation and community.

One of the most engaging activities was the “Pot O’ Gold” contest, where participants paid $1 to guess how many chocolate pieces were inside a decorative pot. The closest guess would win the entire pot. Watching students gather around the table, sharing guesses and laughing together, created a lively and welcoming atmosphere. For someone new to the tradition, it was interesting to see how small activities connected to the holiday’s symbols like gold and luck could bring people together so easily.

Students also spent time at craft tables decorated with green themes, where they created their own bookmarks and St. Patrick’s Day decorations using markers, ribbons, and colorful materials. As participants worked on their crafts, conversations flowed naturally, allowing students from different backgrounds to connect. Psi Chi President Stephanie Cazares served as a warm and engaging host, explaining how the fundraiser worked and sharing the purpose behind the activities. Her welcoming approach made it easy for students, especially those unfamiliar with the holiday, to feel included.

For an international student, the event offered more than just a celebration it provided a chance to experience American campus culture firsthand. Learning about the symbols of St. Patrick’s Day, seeing the importance of green decorations, and participating in activities centered on the idea of “luck” helped create a deeper understanding of the holiday. At the same time, the event highlighted how universities bring students together through simple, creative activities that encourage conversation, laughter, and cultural exchange.

Events like the “Make Your Own Luck” fundraiser demonstrate how campus traditions can build community while also helping international students feel connected to the culture around them. By the end of the afternoon, what began as curiosity about a new holiday turned into a memorable experience of learning, creativity, and shared celebration.