With the approaching inauguration of President Elect Donald Trump, there are many things that ruminate in the minds of the American people. Fear and unease lingers within my family, among my peers and throughout the community as a whole.   Goshen College is a place of diversity, and with that comes many students who are here to get their education despite their immigration status, despite their lack of resources or in order to provide for their families. With the incoming President and Cabinet members, we face risks that could change our families, our access to education and our sense of safety.

One of the first things that came to mind when thinking about Inauguration Day for me and my family was the disturbing posters that were seen around northern Indiana. The posters call people to action in tracking, reporting and deporting “all immigrants” from the area. These posters were found to be linked to a Ku Klux Klan chapter in Kentucky.

The city was quick to respond in support of immigrant families in the city of Goshen, however, the damage was already done. Students and families are afraid of what might happen. At home, my mother became terrified that she might one day leave for work and never be able to come back to my siblings and I without so much as a warning.

For many students and their families, this is a reality they may have to face when choosing to leave their home everyday to be able to provide for themselves. The hope I have is that our community is able to protect each other from what may happen at the national level and that the system protects the hardworking and honest people that are trying to chase a better life for themselves and for their families.

In addition to fear due to the threat of deportation, another uncertainty with the incoming president and Cabinet members are the plans for changes regarding the U.S. Department of Education. Rumors and statements made by the incoming staff seem to put students dependent on financial support from the government at risk of losing that support, and therefore limit their access to higher education.

I am a GC student that is fully dependent on the scholarships provided by the institution and on the government’s Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). I know many other students are worried about what their financial status may be if the changes being discussed come into fruition. I am not alone when I say that I would not be able to get a higher education at all without the level of support I receive from these institutions.

It is really scary to think that all the time and effort students are putting into advancing their careers and education may be for nothing if their resources are taken from them. Many students, especially those from immigrant families, depend on these financial resources because they cannot afford the cost of higher education and they may not be eligible for student loans.

Much like Donald Trump’s first presidential term, there are many rumors, expectations and goals similar to those that we are concerned with this incoming inauguration.

Much like that first term, I hope that people are willing to advocate for what they know is right and wrong. Immigrants, internationals and citizens all have voices with which we are able to make changes and speak our minds. The lack of citizenship does not mean we are not entitled to rights.

I am afraid of what might happen in the coming weeks. However, I know that the GC community and the City of Goshen will be supporting its students and community members as best as they can. I hope that GC students are willing to reach out to their peers and to the resources available to make sure they continue to feel safe and welcome in their communities despite what is happening in the National government.

As Student Senate President, I will do my best along with the Senate board to promote resources, to create safe spaces for students and to continue our goal of building a strong and unified community on campus.