Students and faculty from the USF College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) will host ‘I Belong: USF Week’ in September.
CAS student Jailynn Youmas delivering a motivational talk to high school students as they visited USF during last year’s I Belong: USF Week. Many of the visiting students were AP chemistry and engaged citizenship students at Freedom High School. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Sandy Westerheide)
The weeklong celebration—which held its first celebration last spring—aims to educate students about resources on campus, engage in building community, and cultivate a sense of belonging among students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds, according to Dr. Tangela Serls, special advisor to the dean on DEI and associate professor of instruction in the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Serls explains that the week aligns with USF’s strategic plan calling for “a diverse and inclusive community for learning and discovery,” and one where we “provide a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community for learning, discovery, creative activities, and transformative experiences."
The event came into being because of the ingenuity of students and faculty across CAS, according to Serls.
One student who played a vital role in developing the week, she explained, was Isabelle Crotsley.
Crotsley, who has since graduated with her BS in biology with a minor in chemistry, said she wanted to help launch this week because making students feel welcomed mattered to her.
“I got involved with ‘I Belong Week’ because I wanted to continue the conversation of how we, as the USF community, make students feel accepted—the same acceptance I felt as a first-generation Latinx student,” Crotsley said. “I hope this week sends the message to USF students, no matter the campus, that we make this university feel like home for one another. When we work together to uplift and support each other, we make USF a place we can turn to as our authentic selves.”
“Isabelle was an important driver; she was committed and an awesome student voice. I’m just amazed by Isabelle, she was an undergrad taking classes on all three campuses too,” said Dr. Christina Richards, associate professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, who worked alongside Isabelle in pulling the logistics of the week together.
Events during the week ranged from meet-and-greets to panel discussions, such as ‘Sip and Sit,’ where students engaged with faculty across all USF campuses to discuss different campus experiences, and ‘Brunch and Belong,’ a brunch held in coordination with the Office of Student Life and Engagement, the Wellness Center and USFSP Student Government.
The week also allowed for an opportunity to create cross-campus partnerships with other organizations hosting events that also encourage community building among students.
Dr. Sandy Westerheide, associate professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences, worked with her students to help engage in the week as well.
She and other students coordinated a ‘High School Day,’ which allowed USF students to speak to local high school students—last year was Freedom High School in Hillsborough County—and answer their questions about attending college.
Jailynn Youmas, a senior majoring in cell and molecular biology who drove coordination and planning for High School Day, said I Belong Week helps others to learn from her personal experience as well.
“This week means access. Access to knowledge, resources, and support,” she said. “Sometimes we all need to be reminded that we can accomplish our goals. For many, they are the first to receive a college degree in their family. High School Day has the power to show students that they can be fruitful in their college endeavors.”
“I wanted to help provide support to those who feel uncertain about their journey to college. Being in college made me realize the impact of seeking guidance from those who share similar experiences or experiences I want to have,” said Amber Jani, a current cell and molecular biology student. “For high school students, I hope this week showcases the possibilities that await them at the university level and inspires them to pursue their passions without hesitation. I want them to see that they belong and that their unique voices are valued at USF. “
Sasha Post, a fourth-year student majoring in cell and molecular biology, will be assisting with this semester’s High School Day for students who attend King High School.
“I believe college is a place of invaluable personal and professional growth, and dedicating a day to share USF's beautiful campus and opportunities with students who might otherwise dismiss them is worth it,” Post said. “The goal is to give the high school students resources to ask specific questions relating to their personal interests.”
Maria Limon, CAS alumna who majored in cell and molecular biology, said that as a first-generation Mexican student, she didn’t know much about college when she first enrolled.
“I also didn't get to attend any college tours before entering college due to the cost and time it would take; both my parents work. I wanted to give these kids an opportunity I didn't get to have,” she said.
I Belong: USF Week is scheduled to take place again September 20-29.
The Molecular Biosciences Undergraduate Club, advised by Westerheide, will be hosting High School Day on Sept. 20 this year as well.
“If there are different groups that are interested in these issues, we would be very happy to have them get involved in this week,” Richards said.
(From left) Jailyn Youmas, Maria Limon, Amber Jani, and Dr. Sandy Westerheide. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Sandy Westerheide)
“The fact that we have the hard sciences as an instrumental part in how the week came together is important because when we think about this kind of work, we often think of it from a social sciences and humanities perspective, but Dr. Richards, Dr. Westerheide, and their students were instrumental in showing students how these issues are relevant regardless of your background or training,” Serls said.
Serls said that any individual, organization, or club that is interested in showing support or showcasing their event in collaboration with I Belong Week should reach out to her via email.
“A lot of the work we are doing now has been at the grassroots level,” Serls said. “That’s how we can begin to see systemic change.”
More information and details about events occurring during I Belong: USF Week is forthcoming. Check CAS events for details.