The Gantt Multicultural Center inspires many students by fostering a safe space where all cultures can be represented and advocated for. When first coming to Clemson University, I was introduced to the Gantt Multicultural Center, which opened my mind to another realm of cultural awareness.
The center allows all students to find support and resources for their unique and diverse backgrounds. The Gantt Center’s great work for the University makes them stand out above other institutions on campus.
Being a minority student at a predominantly white university, I was unsure about the different scholarships and professional development opportunities that I was eligible for and unaware of the resources that I have at this institution. The Gantt Center creates a safe space for students of all different cultures and backgrounds to unite and support one another.
Through the center, I have found a sense of community and have met many of my peers from similar and diverse backgrounds compared to my own. The center encourages students to understand and learn about different cultures by hosting a multitude of events during the school year.
When first coming to Clemson, I knew I wanted to take on more leadership roles, but I needed to figure out how to get there and where to start. When talking to many of the amazing women in the Gantt Center, I was exposed to numerous leadership opportunities, clubs and internships.
I have made some of my closest friends through the community the center provides. For my friends and I, the Gantt Center has become a safe space to talk about feelings of isolation that can appear in college without feeling judged. Gantt was a place that I didn’t know I needed until I had it, and it completely changed my college experience.
Watching and learning from the people in this building helped me be even prouder to be a Puerto Rican and Black student getting an education at a university like Clemson. It is an opportunity to learn about the people who have been there before you and are here for you now.
They have helped me embrace who I am to a new extent, and it is a community that encourages all students from different backgrounds to come and learn about their opportunities at Clemson.
Mariah Jordon is a junior English major from Dallas, Texas. You can reach her at [email protected]
