Laying the Foundation

This first part of the collection contains essays from students about belonging and inclusion. Here, we introduce multiple stories of applying to higher education, beginning college, and transition. We learn about the hopes they have and how inclusive postsecondary experiences began to take shape.

Consider, for example, the excitement of adventure and the trepidation of the unknown articulated in some of these pieces. As students embark on their expanded lives, they share social, academic, and other barriers that they face in their quests for college. Students narrate the transition to college life and share the personal advocacy that was necessary for their inclusion. Through these pieces, they express and demonstrate that they deserve a space in university life and have much to both receive and contribute.