Finding a home away from home

Roshauna Bennett's '24 journey to Lynn University is a testament to resilience, community building and finding one's place in a new environment. Her story illuminates the challenges and triumphs of international students, especially during times of personal loss and cultural exploration.

Upon her arrival at Lynn, Bennett was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, eager to explore the campus and immerse herself in a global academic landscape.

"The campus was so captivating and the excitement of going to school in a different country was all I could think about."

Alongside this excitement, she grappled with the profound loss of her father, which amplified feelings of homesickness.

"The biggest challenge I faced as an international student was being homesick," said Bennett. "I missed my family and country a lot when I first started at Lynn and throughout my entire collegiate journey."

Despite these challenges, Bennett found solace and support in Lynn's vibrant community, eventually becoming a key figure in re-establishing the Caribbean Students Union (CSU) with guidance and mentorship from her peer, Ariel Paul. Bennett, a native of Jamaica, was driven by a desire to create a familiar space on campus for Caribbean students or those of Caribbean descent to interact and learn from each other.

Many on-campus organizations dissipate as students graduate and move forward in their academic journey. The Caribbean Students Association was no exception. But with determination and a shared vision, Bennett revitalized the CSU organization.

"Lauren Harding, the former Caribbean Students Association advisor, told me that she would love to see the organization start up again, but we would need students willing to be on the executive board," said Bennett.

Through collaboration with fellow students and university staff, Bennett successfully brought CSU back to life, creating a space where Caribbean students could embrace their heritage, forge meaningful connections, and celebrate cultural diversity. Bennett's journey within CSU, from committee chair to vice president and later president, displays her sense of community and inclusivity not only for herself but for her peers.

One of CSU's most significant contributions to campus life is its annual carnival event. A significant celebration where Caribbeans get dressed up in costumes and dance, Carnival in the Caribbean has a complex history tied to colonialism and freedom. Various aspects make up carnival season, including 'jouvert,' a festival signifying the start of the carnival season, where participants throw paint, powder, and sometimes oil, dancing in the streets from late at night into the morning hours.

CSU held its second annual carnival at Lynn this past academic year. While they could never truly replicate the original carnival back home, they strive to emulate many treasured elements, such as soca music, mocko jumbies, Junkanoo bands and a parade.

"From the amazing food to the good music and vibes, our carnival has captivated not only Caribbean students but domestic students who are eager to learn more about our culture," said Bennett.

Bennett also launched an Instagram mini-series focused on addressing misconceptions about Caribbean culture, interacting with many students and staff members of the Caribbean diaspora. One of their Instagram reels received over 200,000 views, attracting interest from Caribbean teens around the world who are now considering Lynn because of the community CSU has built on campus.

As she looks back on her journey, Bennett offers valuable advice to new international students navigating their own paths at Lynn.

"Find your community, find the people who make you feel at home. Don't abandon who you are to fit in because, in the long run, you’ll feel tired from pretending. It's better to stay true to who you are and eventually, you'll find your people, and there is nothing better than that," said Bennett.

Bennett's journey from a newcomer filled with excitement and nervousness to an on-campus leader fostering cultural inclusivity and belonging exemplifies the spirit of international students at Lynn University, their impact and beyond. Today, CSU has grown to have over 100 members and a notable presence on campus.

For more information about student life at Lynn, visit lynn.edu/student-life.