Making Grinnell 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 Grinnell’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 Grinnell 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 Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, I love going to the ceramics studio and volleyball club, and to volunteer at the local elementary school. Being an international student at Grinnell 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 Grinnell feel like home.
Q: Why did you choose to become a community advisor?
A: My first year at Grinnell 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 Grinnell'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.