NSights Blog

Learning from each other

Graduate Student Association President Tamara Guinn encourages the campus community to strike up conversations and learn from each other, whether at GSA events or just waiting in line for coffee.

Every student at the University of Nevada, Reno experiences campus life differently, and each of us has a unique story to tell. When we start our educational journey at the University, each of us brings our backgrounds, our heritage, our knowledge and our life experiences with us. What this means for everyone on campus is that not only can we learn from what is presented through coursework and research, but we can learn from each other.

By sharing our stories with one another, we enrich each other’s lives and stories, simply by having a conversation. Not only do conversations allow us to learn about each other, they help welcome one another and grow our community. Conversations promote togetherness and support.

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the University recognizes the importance of having conversations, of getting to know students across campus and fostering a community of support. We understand that graduate student life is filled with challenges and it may be difficult to reach out and find support, to find a place in a larger community. Well, GSA is ready to help.

GSA has made it a priority this year to reach out to graduate students across campus, to help make sure that graduate students are getting the support they need. We have a number of events planned this year to help engage graduate students such as upcoming Town Hall events, our monthly GSA Breakfasts, a Fall Social and Coffee Breaks. These are great opportunities to meet new students and have conversations in a friendly environment surrounded by fellow graduate students, and yes, family members are welcome too.

Not only are these events a great way to meet fellow graduate students and share stories with one another, they are a great way to meet GSA Council Members. As the governing body representing graduate students on campus, GSA Council Members are your advocates. We want to hear about the challenges you may be experiencing, and we also want to hear about your accomplishments, so we can help you celebrate your achievements. We want to have conversations with you.

So whether you are attending a GSA event or just standing in line waiting for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, I encourage you to introduce yourself to someone new. Have a conversation and hear someone’s story, you never know how that may impact your own story.

Don’t forget to visit us on the 3rd floor of the JCSU, or find more information on the GSA website.

Tamara Guinn