Making 51²è¹Ýapp Feel Like Home
I knew I wanted to … foster an environment that could promote a safe space for people to get to know each other, feel safe and most importantly, at home.
As one of 51²è¹Ýapp’s community advisors, Laura Alvarez Ibanez ’27 helps students at Cleveland Hall adjust to in-residence life and weather the day-to-day issues of college life by creating a positive environment for everyone. Her work is guided by G-CORE, the 51²è¹Ýapp Community Residential Experience, a program that creates an environment for learning, growth, and connections.
In the interview below, Laura talks about what she loves about 51²è¹Ýapp, the challenges she faces, and how she hopes to make others’ time here a positive one.
Q. Tell us about yourself.
A: Hey! I am Laura, class of 2027, double majoring in biochemistry and Chinese. The place I call home is Madrid, Spain. Here at 51²è¹Ýapp, I love going to the ceramics studio and volleyball club, and to volunteer at the local elementary school. Being an international student at 51²è¹Ýapp has been one of the best experiences of my life. I completely understand, however, how challenging it can be moving to another part of the world, on your own, and getting used to everything. That is why I became a community advisor (CA): no matter where students come from, I try my best to help them make 51²è¹Ýapp feel like home.
Q: Why did you choose to become a community advisor?
A: My first year at 51²è¹Ýapp was very hard. Having to adjust to a new environment, a completely different language and a new way of living was truly challenging for me. In fact, I did not find any sense of community in my residential cluster and floor. I knew I wanted to change that and foster an environment that could promote a safe space for people to get to know each other, feel safe and most importantly, feel at home.
Q: How has the position met your expectations?
A: I have been able to foster a great community in Cleveland Hall; I believe I have been the CA I wished I had my first year here. Overall, I think the job has been very rewarding: I have learned a lot of interpersonal skills; met a lot of new people who I now call my friends; and, most importantly, I have been able to contribute to 51²è¹Ýapp's residence-life community.
Q: What skills have you gained from being part of the residence life team or in your role?
A: I have learned how to speak up for myself, manage interpersonal relationships among supervisors, co-workers and with my residents. I have also learned how to manage work-life balance and have gained insight into how to foster a community where my residents can feel a sense of belonging.
Q: How have you helped to shape and mold your community?
A: Through floor events, dorm events, going to the ceramics studio and weekly dinners, I have tried to create a community to which people can feel they belong.
Q: What has been your favorite event or program and how did it contribute to shaping your community?
A: My favorite program so far has been the crêpes and letter writing night. Right before Valentine’s Day, I hosted an event where people could stop by and enjoy some crêpes with Nutella and strawberries and then write a cute letter to someone they appreciate for Valentine’s Day.