Solidarity at UERJ

From my first encounter with the Geocorpo group at UERJ, I immediately noticed the solidarity among students and professors, and the essential role it plays in the dynamics of the research group and its members’ contributions. Students here are always willing to help one another, whether through the exchange of academic resources and thoughtful contributions to others’ projects, or the encouragement and reassurance present in our meetings. Our research mentor not only provides academic support, but also creates the environment needed for students to succeed: his office is always available to students who may need help, whether that is through resources like a computer, or even a place to study and some advice. 

I believe this sense of mutual connection is essential in the group, and really helps students to fully explore their interests and academic goals in a safe, friendly space. I found this sense of connection to be different from my previous experiences in an academic environment. While I’ve had amazing experiences at FSU, even through similar research projects, I find the unity and solidarity here particularly noteworthy.

While talking to our research mentor, I discovered that this connection in the group is, in part, a direct reaction to the communal issues that surround it. As a public institution here in Brazil, UERJ serves students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, some of whom unfortunately do not have the same access to important resources as others. Many students at UERJ do not have stable access to academic resources or a place to study, may need assistance in food security, work full time outside of school, or come from distant areas of the city that require long commutes. Through this group, our mentor expressed a desire to provide the environment and support needed for these students to succeed, in the context of a social setting that can be hostile to those struggling with these issues. I believe the group has been very successful in providing this essential support, and I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with this community!