Belonging with Em

Transcript

Let’s meet Em, a Junior Environmental Sustainability major from St. Charles, Illinois. How do students like Em develop a sense of belonging? They might join a club or start a new one of their own. Many Earlham students live in campus houses. Student-athletes also compete in NCAA Division III sports or participate in dozens of club and recreational sports. Tell us more, Em.

– Hi, everyone. The most important things for me when choosing the right college was a sense of belonging in my community and reliable academic supports. Luckily, I was contacted by the Earlham Women’s Soccer coach, took a tour of campus, and everything fell into place. One of my biggest sources of community on campus has been my team. Transitioning to college was scary, but was made easier by having built-in family in the faculty and student body ready to support and accept me no matter what. Not only will my professors spend extra time helping me with my academics, but they will often attend my games, performances, or other school events I’m a part of, as they’re the biggest supporters of us students. I find belonging as a student athlete and convener of Queer House, one of our themed housing communities on campus. Although this is new to my housemates and me, we are all really excited to be a part of something so special. These houses hold community events, such as Music House with their Kathmandus or Open Mic Mights. We’ve all been brainstorming over the summer for our events and are looking forward to extending our welcome to campus. I feel really lucky to attend a school with so many people in spaces that accept me for who I am. With Queer House, the Pride Room, and the Trans Student Union, there are plenty of opportunities to find belonging at Earlham. Many of the courses for my major have had classes held outdoors, a perk of being an Environmental Sustainability major. I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen my relationships with the outdoors, my interests, my peers, and my professors. Kicking it back to you, Alex.

– That is great, Em. Transitioning to college can be scary, but you’re definitely taking advantage of all that Earlham has to offer. As a convener of Queer House and a member of the Women’s Soccer Team, you are making the best of your time here. Thanks again for sharing your story, Em, that was awesome.