When we think about belonging, we often assume it comes easily in familiar spaces. However, for some, finding a true sense of community can be a challenge, even in their home country. My interview with Gabby Gaetano revealed how identity, cultural dynamics, and shared experiences shape one’s connection to a place like Arizona State University. Her experiences as a student-athlete, a young person with ADHD, and someone from a strong Christian background have all influenced her journey of belonging. Our conversation deepened my understanding of how diverse perspectives shape university life and what institutions can do to foster inclusivity.
Growing up in a highly religious Christian household influenced many of her values and choices. However, one of the most interesting aspects of her identity is her role on the ASU water polo team composed primarily of international students. Even though she is an American at an American university, she often finds herself feeling like a minority within her own team. This has challenged her mindset and required her to adapt to different coaching styles and team dynamics. This aligns with Sharpe, Mair, and Yuen’s (2016) discussion on how shared experiences foster mutual respect and understanding across cultures.
Despite taking online courses and frequently traveling for her sport, Gabby has found a strong sense of belonging through her athletic involvement and clubs at the college. She highlighted ASU’s extensive mental health resources as a critical factor in helping her feel supported. Additionally, her participation in the campus church youth group and volunteer work has strengthened her connection to ASU and other students. This reflects the concept of relational inclusion (Sharpe et al., 2016), where shared interests and social engagement contribute to a sense of belonging.
Alignment of Values with ASU Gabby believes that ASU aligns with many of her core values, but she also sees areas for improvement—especially in the university’s approach to athletics. She acknowledges that ASU provides extensive opportunities for international athletes, which is valuable, but she also wishes there was a more balanced approach that considered domestic student-athletes. This perspective is important when thinking about participatory inclusion—ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, feel equally valued within university programs. She also suggested that relational inclusion could be improved by more collaboration between different student organizations. She envisions greater interconnectedness between sports teams and other clubs, which could create more opportunities for diverse groups of students to interact and build relationships.
When asked what others need to know to make her feel comfortable and supported at ASU, Gabby emphasized the importance of inclusivity and making others feel loved and cared for. She believes ASU does a great job in this area, particularly with its variety of student organizations, including niche clubs designed for specific interests. This reminded me of Wasson and Jackson’s (2002) concept of cross-cultural sensitivity—understanding and responding to the diverse needs of individuals can create a more welcoming and respectful environment.
As an athlete, Gabby has a unique platform to engage with others and serve as a role model. She actively encourages people to explore Christianity and small group communities. She sees her voice as a strength, allowing her to connect with people who may not otherwise have exposure to these experiences. This highlights the importance of personal agency in fostering inclusivity—when individuals use their strengths to build connections, they contribute to a more engaged and supportive community.
Gabby does not view education as merely a means to an end. Instead, she believes in building momentum by actively engaging in the university community. Some students may see their time at ASU as a transactional experience, limiting their sense of belonging (Sharpe et al., 2016). She recognizes that full engagement comes with challenges, but her proactive approach to participation has helped her establish meaningful relationships.
My conversation with Gabby reinforced the idea that belonging is deeply personal and shaped by multiple factors, including identity, cultural influences, and institutional support. Her experiences show that even in familiar environments, individuals can feel like outsiders, but intentional engagement and strong community ties can help bridge that gap. ASU has made significant strides in fostering inclusion, but there is always room for growth. Gabby’s perspective serves as a reminder that when individuals and institutions work together to create meaningful connections, the result is a stronger, more inclusive community.
Click here to watch the full interview!
References: Sharpe, E. K., Mair, H., & Yuen, F. (2016). Community Development Through Leisure: Creating and Sustaining Community Benefit. Routledge. Wasson, R., & Jackson, M. (2002). Cultural Sensitivity and Reflexivity in Cross-Cultural Research. Oxford University Press.
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