As a local to the Shenandoah Valley, I have grown up with a deep understanding of the history of migration that our amazing community supports, and JMU has given me the opportunities and networks to make the impact I so desired to make. I also have several people in my life that are refugees, so I am very personally invested in supporting this community. I have worked closely with Church World Service, Village to Village, Harrisonburg High School, Every Campus a Refuge, and the Madison Center for Civic Engagement to volunteer my time and raise awareness for various refugee issues. When refugees enter this country, they leave everything they’ve ever known behind in search of a better life and a safe place to call home. I believe that it is our responsibility as community members to welcome and support them however possible.