credit: love_first_international (ig)
Love First International is a student-led club at Fanshawe College that offers a warm and welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Its goal is to help students, particularly international ones, form connections, make new friends, and feel part of the community. Elhum Gharavi (one of the club members) shared, “It was through Love First International that I found a place where I could be myself without the fear of judgment based on my appearance or nationality.” This shows the club’s core values of creating a safe, welcoming space where all students, no matter their background, feel at home.
Love First International celebrates diversity and helps international students connect with others who get what it’s like to adjust to a new country. Elhum emphasized how they initially felt welcomed by the club “It was the first place I encountered people who didn’t judge me based on superficial aspects. That made me feel safe and accepted.” This diversity creates a supportive environment where students can share stories, make lasting friendships, and break down cultural barriers by valuing different perspectives.
credit: love_first_international (ig)
Like many student organizations, Love First International has encountered its own challenges. One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with the bureaucratic procedures required to secure venues and organize events. Elhum explained how, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, booking spaces became a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process “It took several weeks of back-and-forth communication to get venues booked, and it felt like we were constantly jumping through hoops.” The club is making event planning easier by mixing in-person and online communication to keep things running smoothly.
Despite challenges, the club has grown by recruiting during orientation and Club Day, connecting with students early to build a supportive, enthusiastic group of volunteers and members. Elhum noted, “Once people heard about the club, they started to spread the word. It’s now a great network of students who are passionate about making the campus more inclusive.” Word-of-mouth has also played a significant role, with members spreading the word to their friends and peers.
credit: love_first_international (ig)
At the heart of Love First International is volunteerism. Students can get involved in various ways, like organizing events, helping fellow students, or contributing to charitable efforts. This provides students with a chance to make a meaningful impact on campus while gaining valuable experience. As Elhum shared, “Volunteering with the club helped me build connections and gain a sense of belonging. It’s been so valuable, especially since I’m far from home.”
The club’s impact might not be obvious at first, but the lasting friendships and sense of belonging it creates are real. Elhum shared, “We might not always see the changes right away, but the relationships that form are real. I see people who met through the club now exchanging smiles and greetings, and their interactions extend beyond events.” The relationships forged through Love First International make the college experience more meaningful for many international students, who may otherwise struggle to find support in an unfamiliar environment.
credit: love_first_international (ig)
Looking ahead, Love First International plans to expand its outreach and support students in new ways. The club is working on workshops that offer valuable resources and networking opportunities across academic fields. They’re also excited to grow their social media presence to raise awareness and attract new members. Elham shared, “We’re excited to take our efforts online and continue to grow. We want to reach more students and continue providing a space for them.” The club’s success will depend on adapting to students’ changing needs while staying true to its mission of inclusivity and support.
Love First International is a welcoming club at Fanshawe College that helps students connect, celebrate cultures, and grow personally and academically. It’s a great place to get involved and feel a sense of belonging.
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