Lizet traveled over one thousand miles to Rawlings College and did not know a single person there. Maybe your journey to UMass will be similar. We know, it is scary entering a new stage of your life, especially without a social circle for support. Luckily, the Common Read is here to help you make connections and UMass’s many resources, groups, and clubs, will certainly not leave you hanging. In Make Your Home Among Strangers, finding a place among people of all different backgrounds appears as an incredible struggle, but college is not always so arduous. At UMass, efforts are continuously made to establish inclusion and understanding.
No one can ever completely grasp the personal experience of another, even shared experiences among cultures and communities vary among individuals. Lizet struggles greatly with this, with everyone at college treating her as if her Cuban heritage is the only aspect of her identity. The need for understanding in diversity and inclusion efforts at the University means a need for openness. UMass’s openness to all walks of life is facilitated by new student’s orientation, student staff and diversity resources.
Lizet met Ethan, who is a guiding force for her. Resident Assistants, like Ethan, are there for support all the time. PMs provide an additional source of guidance as you transition to college life. Get to know your PM and your RA, they’re there to help. Regardless, it cannot be forgotten that Lizet’s experience was complex, new social environments tend to be. If you are worried, you’re not alone, but while Lizet’s story may be relatable, your time in college may have a much more positive outlook. You will be entering college with thousands of students who are just as new to this as you are. Furthermore, you will all have the Common Read as a shared experience that can open up conversation and build new friendships. Some of you may be in Residential Academic Programs, others in Defined Residential Communities, to be surrounded by people who share traits or interests, but all of you will be surrounded by strangers. Among those strangers there is a home to be made for you and there are new friends to meet.