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Garrison Works to Make LGBTQ and Other Students Feel “Honored”

Since coming to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, fourth-year John Martinson Honors Program student Maisy Garrison has worked to respect and support students, especially those who identify as LGBTQ. 

“In the SIUE Honors Program, I have been working on a project called #SIUEHonorsYou, which is a play on words of how the Honors Program esteems your identity,” said Garrison. “It also shows how the Honors Program can also be part of a student’s identity.” 

“It was originally meant to show LGBTQIA+ students that there are people in our program who come from a wide range of backgrounds,” continued Garrison, geography major who is minoring in geography information systems (GIS). 

“We crafted a ‘self-report’ form that students can share the variations of their identities. Some examples from students included: ‘bookworm,’ ‘musician,’ ‘educator,’ ‘queer,’ ‘heavy lifter,’ ‘neurodivergent,’ ‘artist,’ ‘gamer’ and more. I submitted this idea to the NCHC (National Collegiate Honors Council), and we are presenting it this year at the annual conference (Oct. 30-Nov. 3 in Kansas City, Mo.).” 

“Maisy is one of our incredibly talented student workers,” said Meagan Arnold, Honors Program’s lead academic advisor. “She works closely with students who are interested in the program and offers them advice and a supportive, friendly and kind ear.” 

“When Maisy was a first-year student, she benefited from upper-class students showing her the ropes,” said Maisy’s mother, Carol Garrison, senior academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Now, it’s Maisy who is providing that help by assisting with New Student Orientation and other Admissions’ efforts for the Honors office.” 

“She has also explored her interests in two different Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) research/activities and is now working for SIUE faculty with GeoMARC,” added Carol Garrison. 

“Maisy has a lot of ‘moms’ and ‘parents’ who work here on campus,” noted Arnold. “She has built meaningful connections, and there are lots of people who care about her. This could have made her complacent, but Maisy has always been able to stand on her own two feet and encourage those around her to do so as well. She’s the true definition of a student leader, one who leads by her actions.” 

“There is a great community at SIUE who wants to welcome you,” said Garrison. “This campus is also beautiful and incredibly safe. I’m so glad I chose SIUE.” 

This article is part of the "You Belong Here" story series, which showcases the remarkable journeys of SIUE students as they strive to achieve their academic, personal, and professional aspirations. Through this series, we aim to highlight the diverse experiences and achievements of our students, showcasing their resilience, determination, and growth.

By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire current and prospective students, as well as the wider community, to recognize that SIUE is a place where dreams can be realized. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment empowers our students to flourish academically, personally, and professionally. 

Photo:
Maisy Garrison, SIUE senior majoring in geography and Honors Program student.