Making a Home Away From Home by Arynn

Making a Home Away From Home by Arynn - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

If I could design a project to improve my school or community, I would focus on helping out of state students feel more connected and supported. As an out of state student myself I know how hard it can be to move away from your family and start over somewhere new. Sometimes it can feel like you have to work twice as hard just to adjust because your support system is far away.
For example, I'm from Milwaukee Wisconsin and go to school in Alabama. When I first got to Tuskegee it was really hard for me to adjust to their ways or even the culture. I also couldn't talk to my family all the time or see them. Also when it was time for us to go on breaks me and most students couldn't travel back home because of travel cost and distance. Unlike many of my peers, some students don't have cars to get around the town, find jobs, or even do simple things like grocery shopping. Being away from home can make students feel isolated, and I would like to change that.
My project would be to create programs and events that help students build friendships or relationships and feel more connected to the campus and local community. I would also work on creating resources for transportation and support during school breaks so students who stay on campus do not feel left out. I would also like to help them with meals so that it can feel more like home or at least feel like they're not alone.
I would also like to focus on improving the city of Tuskegee. While Tuskegee has a lot of history and potential, there's not many businesses or services close by. I would encourage and even petition for the development of a hospital, beauty centers, daycare centers and other benefits for both students and residents. Having more resources nearby would make everyday life easier and create more opportunities for jobs and community growth.
As someone who experienced all this first hand I would take an active role in leading this project. I would work with student organizations, university staff, and local community members to identify the needs for out of state students and create programs that address them. I would help organize welcome events, mentorship programs, and community gatherings, that connect new students with upperclassmen and local residents. I would also advocate for transportation assistance, resources during school breaks, and partnerships with local businesses to provide students access to jobs, food, and essential services. By using my own experience to guide these efforts, I hope to help future students feel supported, connected, and successful with their college journey.
I believe that when students feel supported and have access to the resources they need, they are more likely to succeed. My goal would be to make Tuskegee feel less like a place students temporarily live and more like a community they can truly call home. By helping out of state students feel like they belong by investing in the local community, we can create better experiences for everyone.