There’s something here for everyone: Finding community at Purdue

Purdue junior Kamilah Valentin-Diaz’s advice to any incoming Purdue freshman would be: “Come to campus as you are, open up to meeting people, and know that you will learn new things about yourself and others.”

In addition to her political science and anthropology classes, Kamilah is a student in the Honors College and is involved in many cultural centers and organizations like Purdue Immigrant Allies, the Latinx Student Union, the Latino Cultural Center, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center and the Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center.

Kamilah believes that any of the numerous cultural centers at Purdue would be helpful resources for students who are looking for a place where they belong. As a part of so many of these organizations, Kamilah is very familiar with what it’s like to be searching for a community, especially as a new student.

“I think new students should expect everyone to be as nervous as they are,” she says. “For many people, they might be leaving their comfort zones for the first time and starting from scratch. And that’s OK.”

She continues, “Take risks and know that you will find community if you look for it.”

According to Kamilah, Purdue is filled with opportunities to grow academically, professionally and socially. But the only way to take advantage of these opportunities is by taking the leap and trying new things. She says, “It would be ideal to choose a university that excites you and that you feel like you could build a community there, but what will help in creating that sense of belonging are the choices you make along the way.”

With over 1,000 student clubs and organizations at Purdue, there are numerous opportunities for finding a community that fits your niche. “There is something here for everyone,” Kamilah says.

If you’re interested in finding your community at Purdue, make sure to apply by Nov. 1, the Early Action deadline, to be considered for Purdue’s full range of scholarships and more.