"Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act.” Troy University’s motto has stood the test of time because it gets to the core of what it means to be human. We are complex beings, and we all have stories and experiences worth sharing. Tropolitan student newspaper editorial staff members Emily Mosier (editor-in-chief) and Kris Harrell (Trojan living editor) shared their opinions with us on recent state legislation concerning funding for diversity initiatives in higher education and other state agencies. Resources that help students feel safe and seen are valuable and accessible across college and university campuses even when they are not housed in a one-stop-shop. We can all do our part to help others belong.

TROY Art and Design professor Ed Noriega talks about how it felt to move into south Alabama as an “outsider” from southern California via NYC. Belonging for him has been a lifelong struggle, as he has navigated various professional settings with different cultural mixes and strived to set a high bar for himself and his students. A truly eclectic and inspirational creative with big plans for retirement on and around his peafowl farm, Ed advocates play as he reflects candidly on lessons he has learned and challenges he has overcome.

Ray White is the Vice Chancellor of Troy University’s Montgomery Campus, but 25 years ago, in a previous role at the University, he set out to establish the Rosa Parks Museum on the site of her 1955 arrest. He shares candid reflections on his work to build trust as he worked with Mrs. Parks and her family, collected materials, and consulted with Civil Rights experts to build the interpretive museum and children’s wing as it exists today. Although change may take generations, we can treat others well and genuinely care about their stories. Even our seemingly small decisions today direct our future.

As a clinical sociologist, associate professor and associate dean of Troy University’s college of arts and sciences, Dr. Sharon Lindhorst Everhardt works to improve systems. Her book Gardening Behind Bars was released in February, and she sat down to talk to us about some of her experiences with the incarcerated women she worked with on this project. She reminds us that belonging is a basic need for all of us, and listening to understand is of critical importance to our society. We talk about some difficult issues in this episode, including children of incarcerated parents who struggle with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, but the bottom line is that no one’s story is simple, and we all need to be a little more intentional about getting to know our neighbors.

Be curious. Have a conversation with a stranger. Try something new. Travel. What better ways are there to get out of our comfort zone? Dr. Kelly Suero, associate professor of Spanish language at Troy University, advocates travel as a means of stimulating intellectual curiosity. Her love of travel began with a study abroad trip to Argentina at age 18, and she says that we should all aim to become compassionate, understanding global citizens.

Dr. Brandon Stewart studies ethnic politics and political violence. In this episode we'll talk with him about how cultural, political, and ethnic identities are constructed. And we'll learn how to promote understanding and cooperation within diverse populations.

Spanish language professor Dr. Johanna Alberich is passionate about sparking curiosity in her students and encouraging them to learn about people who are different from them. She defines culture as a belief system that can vary by individual and says belonging primarily focuses on adaptability. She serves as a resource for colleagues preparing to lead their first study abroad trip for students, and she emphasizes how rewarding it is to hear students express their gratitude and expanded mindset after a study abroad experience. She believes strongly that intercultural competence is vital regardless of your discipline or location.

Author, librarian, and historian Dr. Christopher (Chris) Shaffer talks books, food, and travel with us on our ninth episode of the Culture and Belonging podcast. He agrees that culture is difficult to define and shares insights about why banning books is never a good idea (unless you’re hoping to spike book sales). He talks specifically about his own book, Moon over Sasova, and a sample of personal anecdotes he shares in it, and he concludes with a challenge to prioritize authentic travel experiences that build empathy and feed our curiosity.