Hi everyone! My name is Marina Laguerre, and I’m a second-year student at Florida State University. I am majoring in Hospitality, Recreation, Tourism Management, and Human Rights and Social Justice. I’m originally from Tallahassee, Florida, born to Haitian immigrant parents. Thanks to the amazing community I’ve found here through student organizations and service opportunities.
I’ll be volunteering with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) this summer, and I couldn’t be more excited. The IRC works with refugee and immigrant populations, offering support through resettlement, job placement, education, and legal assistance. My work will involve supporting the team, observing client interactions, and learning about the IRC’s approach to serving displaced populations. I plan to focus my summer capstone research on refugees’ narratives and experiences, particularly the barriers they face when seeking asylum and rebuilding their lives in a new country.
This opportunity aligns directly with my community-based interest in refugee and human trafficking issues. My involvement in organizations like Girl Up, Students Demand Action, and the Global Scholars program has helped me explore these issues more deeply and reflect on how I can contribute meaningfully. The injustices refugees face—often compounded by trauma, legal hurdles, and lack of support—drive me to pursue a career with an organization like the United Nations one day, where I can work on human rights advocacy and international humanitarian efforts.
As I enter this experience, I have high hopes for what I’ll learn. I expect to gain hands-on exposure to the realities of nonprofit work, better understand refugee resettlement processes, and connect with people whose stories I may one day help uplift through policy or advocacy. I also hope to grow personally, developing greater empathy, adaptability, and confidence in unfamiliar or high-pressure situations.
That said, I do feel a little uncertain about how emotionally challenging it might be to witness hardship and trauma up close. I want to be helpful and respectful without overstepping or making assumptions. Because of this, I need to show up with humility and openness. I plan to lean on my mentors, ask lots of questions, and remain committed to learning every step of the way. And I feel hopeful and eager to take it all in.
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