Every citizen of this world seeks companionship, chasing the feeling of belonging to a group.
Some people find their friends and build their families, victoriously slowing to a stop. But some people never stop running—the need to belong is always just out of reach.
Laura Parker, an academic advisor and adjunct professor at American University, is still running that metaphorical marathon, and has dedicated her entire career to helping others feel at home.
She studied anthropology for her undergraduate and graduate degrees; her interest in human culture led her from her hometown of Newton, Iowa to Costa Rica as a volunteer with the Peace Corps. Parker spent much of her two years in the small town of Cachí, teaching English and establishing intercultural and STEM clubs.
The young anthropologist can still be found in classrooms today.
Parker works in AU’s international accelerator program, where she advises international students and teaches a “live, learn, grow,” course.
“Live, learn, grow,” essentially teaches international students how to be successful in the United States and at AU, Parker said.
“I’ve never really felt at home anywhere, so I feel like I identify with those [students] who are living away from their homes,” she said with a smile as she pointed out her students running around the University’s Mary Graydon Center for an assignment.
Reflecting on her own travels, Parker advises those living in a new, foreign country to lean into their discomfort. She encourages her students to learn English by using it in each part of their daily routines, whether they’re watching television, playing video games or scrolling through social media.
“The only way you’re going to learn and grow is to accept [discomfort] and lean into that,” she said. “Be willing to make mistakes. Be willing to embarrass yourself a little bit.”