Change-of-campus student discovers community, finds purpose at University Park

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Safiya Haruna first arrived at Penn State University Park, the third-year student found herself in unfamiliar territory. The transition from Penn State Berks, where she had spent her first two years, left her feeling a bit lost.

“It wasn’t rocky, but it wasn’t smooth either,” Haruna said. “I had a community at Penn State Berks, and I was seeking that community again.”

Rather than waiting for connections to run their course naturally, she said, Haruna took matters into her own hands and got involved. She committed to attending campus Involvement Fairs, consistently checking her emails for opportunities, and showing up to events that aligned with her interests.

That proactive approach reshaped her University Park experience, she said, and today Haruna is an active member of the African Students Association (ASA) and Black Caucus, two organizations committed to spreading culture. She demonstrates her commitment by participating in signature events such as the Ashe Awards and the CSA Pageant.

“It's refreshing to have an African community to support me,” Haruna said. “It’s easy to have fun together. Being around people who share my culture makes it feel more like home.”

Haruna’s connection to the organization began before she changed campuses, she said, when it hosted a social mixer for students from the Commonwealth Campuses. Thanks to that, she already knew a number of members by the start of the academic year. But she noted that consistency was key; even when it felt overwhelming or uncomfortable, she made an effort to keep attending meetings and events and talking to people in her classes.

An international politics major with a minor in communication and social justice, Haruna said her academic interests center on one driving force: human rights.

“Politics determines human rights,” she said. “That’s what I am passionate about.”

She said her two majors complement each other perfectly, because they connect communications, social justice, media and freedom of information — all of which are essential to the international political work she envisions post-graduation.

Haruna said her future aspirations are clear.

“In five years, I hope I’m working in Congress or with an international organization like the World Bank,” she said. “I want to be in spaces where decisions are being made, not just talking about change, but actually helping create it.”

Haruna said she hopes the lessons she learned from overcoming the challenges she faced when changing campuses might be helpful to other students.

“Get involved. Get out of your bubble,” she said. “But being involved doesn’t automatically equal making friends. You have to have those conversations, ask questions, just say hi, and be kind to the people around you.”

She also emphasized the importance of practical tools, like the career fairs, email lists and the Involvement Fairs that helped her find opportunities. But beyond logistics, Haruna said, she stresses mindset.

“Create a system for yourself,” she said. “Life is short; don't let school overwhelm you.”

While Haruna hasn’t yet taken on formal leadership roles within her organizations, she said she's open to such opportunities in the future. For now, she’s focused on being present, building relationships and pursuing the academic and professional paths that will allow her to advocate for human rights on a global scale.

For change-of-campus students feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, Haruna said she hopes her journey offers both empathy and a roadmap to show up, stay consistent and remember that the experience is one’s own to shape.

“I know it’s hard,” she said. “But try to create a system for yourself where you actually enjoy life. Make time, have fun and enjoy the little things.”

Liberal Arts change-of-campus students who are interested in meeting with the change-of-campus lead mentor at the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success can schedule an appointment in Starfish or visit the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center in 139 Sparks Building for drop-in hours.