So when I first came to Grand Valley, I was really nervous. I was scared that I wasn't able to make friends. I felt a bit of culture shock at first, considering Grand Valley is a predominantly white institution. I really didn't know that many black students on campus. So when I found that we were having a black excellence orientation-- I wanted to get involved right away. This LGBT center means community to me. So I was able to meet folks who shared some of my identities. And having those friendships and making those connections, really allowed me to step out of my comfort zone in a way that I probably would not have done if I hadn't come into the center. The cultural organizations that I joined, they actually welcomed me with big arms. We have Laker Familia, Black Excellence, Native American Association-- I attend these cultural group-- the Asian Student Union and the Vietnamese Culture Association, and I got to share my background with other people. Being a part of Laker Familla was a nice way to integrate my culture. It's a great way to make friends, and it's just-- it's fun. When I came into a Black Excellence, it gave me a sense of like community, and I automatically connected with the Director-- Miss Juanita. They made me feel like I was at home, like I didn't leave home. I kind of feel more supportive, because I know that there's people here like me. When I came to Grand Valley, it was great to see, not only I have my fellow Asian peers, but also Asian faculty that I can kind of connect to. Having that support and understanding that you're not the only one, I think it really just shapes your experience because we're not all the same. But we're all here for the same goal-- That's to get a degree. It can be really hard trying to step out of your comfort zone, but it's definitely worth it. Being able to make new friends, new connections with faculty, staff and students. Most colleges and universities are predominantly white institutions. So Grand Valley makes sure that we have the resources that we feel supported in those environments in a way that I do feel like I belong here. Students who are able to be in fellowship with one another, and learn, and grow together, I think is super super important for us to feel safe and for students to feel like they belong somewhere. The school isn't anything without the students, and so whatever you bring to the table Grand Valley will appreciate. Grand Valley will embrace. it's one of the best places that you can honestly be-- Like there's so much community. There's so many things to do. It kind of makes you feel like you're at home.
