Author Archives: Manal

By Frances Alicea I’ve spoken with a few veterans about their experiences navigating the healthcare system, and also chatted with some staff members about their day-to-day responsibilities. I approached these conversations respectfully and casually, listening closely and asking follow-up questions only when they seemed open to sharing more. One thing that stood out in myContinue reading “Data Collecting and Knowledge Co-Construction By Frances Alicea”

By Elisha Wisdom Being back in Tallahassee, I feel like I have come back to the same community, but in some ways, it feels like a new one. I am a part of a couple different cultural environments here in Tallahassee:  My church environment, my campus ministry’s environment, and the FSU Honors community. My churchContinue reading “What Makes A Community?”

By Angel-Amon Wildgoose The title probably made you look twice, but trust me, there isn’t a typo. You know that sound you make when you suck your teeth? That nonverbal cue that shows you’re frustrated, annoyed, or maybe a little defiant? In the Caribbean, they call it the “tchui” (pronounced “ch-wee”), and it can beContinue reading “How Did The “Tchui” Get to Canada?”

By Sofia Tascon Arriving in Europe last week has definitely been a culture switch. First, I had to accustom to the later times for meals, sleeping, etc. In Spain, it is typical for lunch to not begin until 2PM–4PM. A nap is usually taken after lunch, with an optional snack around 5 or 6PM. Then,Continue reading “Enjoying the Moment”

By Liam Roberson My new cultural environment at Church Farm Ardeley has been completely foreign to me. I have never had consecutive days and weeks with a variety of jobs and tasks to complete. Your mind and body change the longer you are committed to the work you put in. The farm staff is fromContinue reading “Having Little in Common Brings Us Together”

By Maria Clara Oliveira Right now I am working with Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, and there I help out to provide basic essential needs to those who are homeless in the Central Florida area, I provide food and water while talking to people who have been homeless for years or had theContinue reading “Joining Community”

By Ava Jones The cultural environment here at LeMoyne Arts, especially in the midst of our Tri-State Watercolor exhibit, feels particularly indicative of the natural landscape I’ve grown up in. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I walk through the sculpture gardens, past the fountains and the little bridge that intersects the art education facilities where IContinue reading “The Exhibit, The People, The Art”

By Michelle Heims Between FSU, Prague, and my hometown, I have built 3 environments for myself that share similarities and differences. I joined a new community when I started college and I’m going to join another new community when I am studying abroad. All of these groups have shaped my identity and my experiences, andContinue reading “A New Way of Living”

By Catalina Grieco The Bradenton-Sarasota area, where I have lived my whole life, is a coastal community known for its beaches, local charm, and strong sense of tradition. It is also home to a large population of retirees, which gives the area an older demographic compared to many parts of Florida. Because so many peopleContinue reading “Seeing My Community Through New Eyes”

By Caroline Ceaser Spending time in Spain—particularly living and studying in Seville—immersed me in a cultural environment that felt both new and deeply welcoming. From the vibrant street life to the warmth of the people, I was constantly reminded that community can be found and built far from home. At first, I felt like anContinue reading “Community Built Far From Home”