On April 22nd the Global Youth Leadership Network (GYLN) hosted a paper crane folding event with the hope of bringing MSU students together. The event took place inside the International Center lobby with the goal of creating 1,000 paper cranes and was funded by the Sunwah Foundation. From 11am – 7pm, GYLN members worked alongside MSU students to fold cranes and socialize. The cranes representing hope and unity would then be used to create an art installation that would remain inside the International Center. 

The event was inspired by Sadako Sasaki’s story, who as a child survived the bombing of Hiroshima. Tragically, she became sick with leukemia at twelve years old and was hospitalized. During her treatment, she was inspired by a roommate to fold 1,000 paper cranes. The cranes, according to Japanese belief, would grant her a wish.  It is contested if she was able to accomplish her goal before passing away, but her story, along with the paper crane, would become a symbol of peace and recovery around the world.

For GYLN, the paper crane symbolizes peace and togetherness for the university and its students. Sarah Potts, Global Youth Advancement Network Intern, says the event successfully brought members of the MSU community together. “It was a mix across undergrads and grad students, faculty members, staff members, people that where already members of the club, and newcomers that were not.” It was also a mix of students who were familiar with folding origami and students who wanted to learn. Students who were interested in learning how to fold paper cranes could take a break from their busy schedules to sit and mingle with GYLN members and fellow students for a tutorial. “We got some very enthusiastic people to come and sit with us. There was one person who folded with us for an hour and a half before his class and then came back after his class” says Grace Urban, GYLN president. The mission of this event was not only to fold 1,000 paper cranes, but more importantly to bring the MSU community together. “It means a lot to see people doing crafts, away from computers, away from phones, and just having a very hands-on approach to community service” says Potts. GYLN members also hoped the event would be used as a way for students to relax as the semester came to a close. She concluded by saying, “I feel it was a calming activity during the lead up to finals week, so it ended up being a really peaceful moment to just step away from your studies, have a snack, talk to some people and make a craft.”

For Grace Urban there was also a personal reason behind the event. She fondly remembers her aunt teaching her how to fold paper cranes. To her, the paper crane represents hope and unity not because of the image of the crane itself, but through the act of folding it. “I was maybe three or four years old, and it's such a great memory for me because we were together. Sometimes people don't think about how origami can be a social activity, but for me, it always has been.” Origami has been an activity she has enjoyed throughout her whole life, and her relationship to it helped inspire the paper crane folding event. The event was imagined in the fall when GYLN was brainstorming what to do for a chapter-wide project.  Urban and another GYLN member had similar ideas to use origami and art. Ultimately, the chapter decided on the 1,000 crane display in the International Center and decided to promote the event as a way to bring hope and unity for the MSU community while also paying homage to Sasaki’s story.

Alexandra Jarvis, the club’s advisor, shared “In years past, members have submitted proposals and taken a vote to select their large project.  This year, I watched them bounce ideas around and build off one another until there was unanimous enthusiasm for this display.  It really takes a team effort to do these projects, and the students did a great job teaching art, creating community, and making the International Center a more beautiful and engaging place to be.” 

GYLN members hope the event will inspire students to learn more about Sasaki’s story, promote unity and teach others how to fold origami. When asked what she hopes the long-term effects of the event will be Urban says, “I think that would be really cool if it’s just a little moment of happiness for these people.” For students who want to participate in community service events hosted by GYLN they can find the club on Instagram @gylnmsu. 

About GYLN:

GYLN was established in 2014 by the Sunwah Foundation, which has collaborated with GYAN to start a chapter on MSU's campus. Joining a network of ten existing chapters across the globe, GYLN USA is building a community of leaders who are committed to serve, equipped to lead, enterprising in action, and plugged into a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about social development. 

Students belonging to GYLN at MSU have an extraordinary opportunity to travel to international forums as well as plan activities and service projects with financial backing from the Foundation and operational support from chapter coordinators. 

Interested in joining? Email gyaninfo(at)msu.edu for more information.