Let’s hear from Maro, a Sophomore Computer Science major from Nigeria. Earlham offers dozens of clubs, service, political, cultural, religious life, special interests, and even sports clubs. Students can even start their own. Joining a club is a great way to make friends, build better time management and leadership skills, all while earning a degree. Tell us more, Maro.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When I left Nigeria for high school, the United World College in Costa Rica, a program I was drawn to because of its focus to leadership and service to others, which is also why I chose Earlham because it shares such focus. Although very excited, I was most definitely uncertain about my path, but I knew I had to find my people and created familial community wherever I went to. One of the pivotal moments in my journey was helping the founding of the African Student Association, or ASA at Earlham. Seeing the need for a community where African students could connect, share experiences, and celebrate our culture, I joined the efforts with others to establish the ASA. I fell more in love with Earlham because of its diverse student body and the opportunities it provides for students to create meaningful connections and make a difference on campus, such as the Student Advisory Council for Black Students Experience. This organization caters to the diversity of our students with multiple events. My participation in promoting and organizing events, such as the Hair Affair and Spa Days not only strengthens our community bond, but also highlights the beauty and diversity of our heritage on campus. During Hair Affairs, the Student Advisory Council for Black Student Experience hosts hairstylists who braid our hair for free, and during Spa Days, we get our nails done, massages, facials, and body products, all sponsored by our school. These events foster community, self-care, and cultural pride amongst participants. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building on these experiences and expanding our initiatives. I’ve learned that working together can create a supporting and enriching environment for everyone. The journey doesn’t end here. It’s just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership and service to others. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Maro. We’re inspired by your leadership in establishing the African Student Association. You are creating a community and providing a source of comfort from many Earlham students who are far from their home. We know many other students have benefited from the work of you and your collaborators. Thanks, Maro.
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.
Let’s hear from Nour, a Sophomore from Syria who plans to major in Computer Science. At Earlham, class sizes are much smaller than at larger universities and professors have an open-door policy. Students and faculty even talk to each other on a first-name basis, the best way to form a true partnership in the classroom. Tell us more about your experiences, Nora. Take it away.
– Thanks a ton for the intro, Alex. Marhaba, everyone. Since I was a kid, I was always fascinated by computers, so growing up, I knew that I wanted to study computer science in a place that felt like home, but also challenged me to grow. It all started when Earlham College visited my high school on a college tour. I attended another school in Germany. Earlham College had a lot to offer academically, and I loved it smaller size. Smaller classes allowed for invaluable one-on-one time with the professors and faculty. Our classes are structured to promote active engagement and personalized feedback. My professors are always available for office hours and they genuinely care about my progress, which has been crucial for my academic and personal development. When I first started college, I couldn’t have imagined how much I would learn and grow. At Earlham, your academic journey isn’t confined to the classroom. For example, we have applied groups in computer science, like the Web Dev Team where we build websites and maintain them for the community. I’m also actively involved in the Google Developer Steering Club where I collaborate with my peers on a project for our Center for Science and Technology. Another experience I have loved is participating in my first-ever music class where I got to learn drums and performed in front of the community. At Earlham, you’re encouraged to get out of your comfort zone and truly experience what the world has to offer. The opportunities and support I received from my professors, faculty, and friends have been so enriching. Although nobody is ever prepared for the end of college, Earlham has given me the tools to be prepared and excited for my future, and that’s my story. Now, back to you, Alex.
– That is great, Nour. Your coursework in Computer Science and participation in the Google Developer Student Club and the Web Development applied groups has truly been enriching. We can tell that Earlham’s dedicated professors have inspired you to think about how you’ll apply your education into your future pursuits. That was great, thanks again.
Earlham offers one of the nation’s only student-run Horse Barns and Equestrian Programs. Here to talk about it is Eloise. Students like Eloise take shifts at the horse barn in exchange for riding privileges on Earlham’s beautiful back campus full of forests, trails, lakes, and pastures. Earlham also sponsors a Hunt Seat Equestrian Team in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association. Tell us more, Eloise.
– Thanks, Alex. When I first started looking at colleges, I saw myself going back to California where I’d spent half my life, but when it came to making my decision, I realized that Earlham College was the place for me. One of the things that drew me to Earlham was how you call everyone by their first name. Even your professors, they care about you and your success. The professors are so passionate about what they teach, and they instill that passion into each student. My Ornithology course turned me into a birder. I knew I wanted to work with animals combining biology and psychology, and my advisor has been incredibly helpful and supportive. She helped me create my own major, Anthrozoology, which is the study of human and non-human animal interactions. This past summer, I explored a possible future career path using my Epic Advantage funding to serve as a research assistant at the Boston College Canine Cognition Center. I started horseback riding when I was 10, so going to a college with an Equestrian Program was a huge draw for me because it means I can ride almost year round. I’m a member of Earlham’s Barn Co-op and Equestrian Team. Every co-op member has at least one barn shift where we do a variety of barn chores to help care for the horses. My favorite part is bringing the horses in and out from the pastures. It’s so wonderful being able to walk over from my apartment and go for a trail ride in our beautiful back campus. I’m so glad I made the decision to come to Earlham. I’m not sure I would’ve found my path in life if not for the support of my professors and the incredible opportunities that Earlham has given me. Back to you, Alex.
– Eloise, Earlham has truly nurtured your passion for horses and helped you discover an appreciation for other animals through your coursework in ornithology. Earlham’s back campus is absolutely stunning, and being able to design your own major is a really unique opportunity in higher education. Thanks again, Eloise.
Let’s hear from Aouss, a Senior Biochemistry major from Syria. At Earlham, students can pursue applied minors, like Medical Humanities, to personalize their education and make unique connections between academics and personal interests. These programs also unlock opportunities for students to integrate international travel or co-curricular experiences into their core area of study. Tell us all about it, Aouss, take it away.
– Habibi, Alex. Thanks for the intro. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I moved around a lot. I attended nine different schools across five countries, and because of this, diverse indication was important to me, and Earlham College, with its diverse student body and opportunities, did not disappoint. Earlham has many unique programs, like the Applied Minor Programs. Through the Applied Minor Programs, students get to personalize our education and make direct connections between academic interests and co-curricular activities. As a pre-med student, I have an applied minor in Medical Humanities, which integrates the study of ethics, history, and cultural aspects of medicine. This minor has been essential in shaping my understanding of healthcare from a comprehensive perspective. Through this program, I’ve been able to participate in various resources provided by the Center for Global Health. Programs like the Health Externship, which allow students to engage with local health institutions actively, shadowing healthcare professionals, and volunteering, which provides invaluable hands-on experience. The Community Medicine Program further enhances this engagement by involving students in direct patient care and community health initiatives, including ride-alongs with community health professionals. What’s more, I’ve had the privilege of participating in medical missions in Costa Rica and Peru, volunteering in underserved locations and truly experiencing firsthand the global health issues and challenges discussed in the classroom. This minor, combined with my major in Biochemistry, supplements my scientific education with compassion, broadening my horizons and preparing me for a future as a well-rounded physician. Earlham is truly a gem. Its programs and sports system have equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the future. I’m actually right now in the process of applying to medical school, so if you’re seeing this in the future, wish me luck. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Aouss. As a pre-med student, your Medical Humanities applied minor has afforded you many important perspectives into the study of ethics, history, and cultural aspects of medicine. Your experiences participating in public health campaigns in Latin America and shadowing health professionals nearby campus will be invaluable in the future. Thanks again, Aouss.
Skyler is a Senior Biochemistry major from right here in Richmond, Indiana. More than half of Earlham’s student body studies away from campus at least once in their Earlham education, but many travel to multiple different cities or countries, like Costa Rica and England, as part of their Earlham education. Skyler, give us all the details. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone, it’s great to be here today. Growing up in Richmond, Indiana, I never thought that I’d attend a college that I passed by every day without second thought. When it finally came time to choose a college, I chose Earlham College because of the great academic opportunities they had here, as well as I got to continue playing the sport I love: volleyball. Although Earlham College was right in my hometown, it took on a whole new meeting when I enrolled. Earlham has helped me experience new things like studying abroad in London. My time in London has been one of the highlights of my time at Earlham. I never thought studying abroad, especially in London, was possible because I thought it’d be so expensive. But with Earlham’s guidance, it ended up being the same price as if I was studying on campus. I gotta immerse myself in different cultures, learn in a totally different environment and grow as an individual. I also participated in an Epic for Athletes, where I got to travel to Costa Rica with my volleyball team totally free of charge. The resources at Earlham, like the Study Abroad Office and my academic advisors, were crucial in making these experiences possible. Their support helped me navigate my journey smoothly and decide which place was the right fit for me. Earlham’s commitment to experimental learning and global perspectives is evident through the extensive support for off-campus study. Earlham doesn’t just teach you in the classroom; it gives you hands-on experience. I’ve gained valuable skills that set me apart, from gaining a deeper understanding of many different global cultures, to practical abilities like being adaptable in these different settings. Earlham has prepared me for the real world. That’s all I’ve got for today. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Skyler. Your travels to six different countries as part of your Earlham education is so impressive. It’s clear that Earlham’s commitment to international education and plentiful Study Abroad opportunities has sharpened your worldview and given you many hands on experiences that will serve you well in life after you graduate. Thanks again.
Okay, let’s hear from Jonny, a Senior Environmental Sustainability major from Seattle, Washington. Alum Living and Learning has been shaped by a set of values dating back to its Quaker founders in 1847. Those values including respect for persons, integrity, simplicity, peace, and justice, and community are still important today. Tell us more, Jonny.
– Hey, hey. Thank you, Alex. I’ve been a Quaker my entire life. Coming to Earlham was a decision to join a welcoming and friendly community away from home and a decision to develop my sense of self as a Quaker and as a human. Earlham has proven itself to be full of kind, generous, loving people. Somehow, it is simultaneously a rigorous learning environment and an open space for delving deep into interests and discovering passions. At Earlham, I chose to follow my for the environment, which led me here to Miller Farm for my Sustainable Agriculture class, which also happened to be the first class I ever took at Earlham. I vividly remember stepping onto the farm in my khaki pants and quickly realizing that my clothing did not agree with the Indiana heat and humidity In August. It was in that class that I made some of my first friends at Earlham, drove a tractor for the first time, met chickens and guineafowl, harvested the silliest-looking carrots, and became closely familiar with the very spiky Canada thistle. To me, Miller Farm is all about hands-on learning and community. We hold farm days on the weekend when anyone is welcome to come do some farm work and share a community meal afterward. And Miller Farm is just one place on campus that encourages leadership and lives into Quaker values. Being at Earlham has taught me so much, but most importantly, it has taught me to connect with other people and find value in everyone. I’d say Earlham’s Quaker values teach us to do good and be good to each other, no matter where you are on campus. Come check out the farm sometime, Alex. I got work to do. Back to you.
– Jonny, thank you for sharing how Earlham has helped develop your sense of self as a Quaker and how you support Earlham’s core values through the Miller Farm Experiential Agriculture Program. Your contributions are helping to preserve Earlham’s Quaker heritage and deepen its commitment to community and hands-on learning. Thanks again.
Let’s meet Christine, a junior double majoring in Business and Peace and Global Studies from India. Earlham attract students and faculty from all over the world, like Christine, who are interested in challenging the status quo, with the purpose of creating a more fair, equitable, and just world. Christine, you can take it from here.
– Thanks, Alex. Namaste, everyone. I’m from India, double majoring in Business and Peace and Global Studies. So, you might be wondering: What would excite a person to move halfway across the world to the sweet little town of Richmond, Indiana? Well, the answer to that, my friends, is a purposeful education. At Earlham, we’re encouraged to take what we learn in the classroom out into the world to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In my short time here at Earlham, I’ve met many wonderful people doing just that, whether it be through clubs that challenge unfair housing policies in the locality, or through starting initiatives that address environmental issues, Earlhamites are always on the move. Earlham provides you with the mentorship, funding, and space to help bring your ideas to life. I’ve participated in the Earlham & Dimick Eastman Grand Challenge, a startup competition that focuses on local social entrepreneurship. In collaboration through a local food pantry, my teammates and I proposed an idea to help tackle food insecurity enrichment. Speaking about entrepreneurship, I fondly remember my experience at the Earlham-Levinson Entrepreneurial Leadership Boot Camp, where, under the guidance of mentors from world-renowned companies like McKinsey, we learned the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to tell you about how I used my Epic Advantage. Last summer, I went on a three week trip to Indonesia to study interfaith conflict resolution and community rebuilding. The trip was truly transformative, as I was able to see how the concepts I learned in my Peace and Global Studies classes manifested in the real world. These experiences and more make me so proud to be an Earlhamite. So, if you are on the lookout for a college experience that helps you explore new perspectives and go beyond your comfort zone, then, my friends, Earlham College is just the right place for you. Back to you, Alex.
– Christine, thank you for sharing how Earlham students are working to create a better world and explaining how Earlham faculty support students’ big ideas. Your participation in the Dimick Eastman Grand Challenge is paving the way for a better life for Earlham’s neighbors right here in Richmond. Great work.
Meet Gavin, an international student from Australia who spends his time advocating for the student body here at Cal State Fullerton through their Associated Students Incorporated. This governing organization, also known as ASI, provides the campus community with important social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, as well as a wide range of programs and services. Let’s hear more about it. Gavin, take it away.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Good day everyone. As an international student, choosing the right university in a whole different country is a very important decision. I wanted to make sure that my choice will help support me and my academic goals, career goals, and overall student experiences here in the United States. Cal State Fullerton was a school that I fell in love with and has supported me in my dreams. Since coming to Cal State Fullerton, I’ve enhanced my leadership skills through Associated Student Incorporated. ASI has allowed me to be the voice for our students, helping create fun and welcoming events whilst working on initiatives to elevate the university. ASI is an integral part of Cal State Fullerton, providing great resources like the food pantry, scholarships, the Student Recreation Center, and the Children’s Center to enhance and support students educational experiences. We also organize memorable events such as the Spring concert, ASI Carnival, and various workshops throughout the semester. Being a student leader here at ASI has made my journey here so much more enjoyable. As a cinema and television arts major, I have dreams of working in the film and TV industry. Cal State Fullerton provides great classes, internships, career opportunities, and experiential learning, such as Titan TV, which I’m heavily involved with. This award-winning program provides great real hands-on experience working with professionally trained staff, industry standard programs and equipment. Cal State Fullerton has prepared me in more ways than I thought possible as an international student. I’m able to gain experience in my professional field through Titan TV, grow as a leader in ASI, but most importantly feel accepted by my school, my peers, and my professors. All of these experiences I’ve gained has molded me into the well-rounded individual ready to tackle the next journey in my life. Alright, that’s enough from this Aussie. Back to you, Alex.
– Gavin, you’re insights into the international student experience have been eye-opening. We also appreciate learning about the engaging activities and valuable services provided by ASI at CSUF. Sounds like there’s so much for students to enjoy here. Thanks again, Gavin.
Let’s head to the courts to check in with Donovan. He’s chased his dream of playing division one basketball and landed at Cal State Fullerton, where the dynamic athletic culture and robust academic support have greatly enhanced his experience. CSUF has allowed him to grow both on the court and in the classroom. Donovan, the ball’s in your court, take it away.
– Thank you for that introduction, Alex. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to play Division one basketball from a young age. Last year, when I entered the transfer portal, I didn’t know where I was gonna end up, but I knew I wanted to go far from home. Coaching staff and professors at Cal State Fullerton made the process easy and exciting. The athletic culture was a big part of why I wanted to come here and the academic opportunities truly sealed my commitment. Being a Division one athlete at Cal State Fullerton is a blessing. My daily routine starts with weights at 8:00 AM, followed by practice at 9:00, and then I head to study hall at 11:30. I would typically go home, take a nap, and then after that I’ll come back and have an individual workout with the coach. This school year has been nothing short of amazing. The school spirit has really grown, especially when we play our rival schools. I’ve made many friends through class projects and of course my basketball teammates. As an athlete, I take my academics really serious. And here, we have study halls with mentors and tutors to really help us throughout the longevity of a basketball season. Before big games, our athletic department hosts tailgates for fans. Students paint their faces and show up decked out in Cal State Fullerton gear. And tailgates have free giveaways, food trucks, and activities for fans and students to enjoy. Cal State Fullerton has allowed me to grow far more than I ever expected. I’m able to play basketball at the highest level while getting to prioritize my academics. I’m grateful for this experience and I can’t wait to keep on representing Cal State Fullerton on and off the court. Passing the ball back to you, Alex.
– Nice pass, Donovan. It’s fantastic to learn about your achievements and experiences at CSUF. Your commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom is truly commendable. Thank you for sharing, Donovan, and we’re wishing you continued success in your athletic and academic pursuits. That was awesome.