Emma Cahill

Villanova’s Inclusion Week occurred this past week.

If one was on campus this past week, chances are they saw some of the lively and passionate events for Inclusion Week. Villanova’s Inclusion Week focuses on highlighting the clubs and organizations that support those who are marginalized. Driven by diversity, unity and empowerment, these organizations work towards creating an even more inclusive and supportive community that embraces people of all backgrounds. Inclusion Week provides a time for Villanova students to come together and showcase their true support and appreciation for one another.

Inclusion Week was full of numerous events and initiatives to raise awareness. With events from a Latin American Student Organization dinner to pet therapy to a Queer spin class with VU Pride to an Accessibility workshop hosted by LEVEL, Special Olympics, VUnited and Best Buddies, this week was filled with events.

As the week moved into Family Weekend, the week closed out with a “Trip Around the World” carnival that featured sumo wrestling, a dunk tank and axe throwing. There were several different student performances and an abundance of food. Villanovans worked together, shared their own experiences and culture and embraced one another with a true sense of inclusion.

It is evident that students across campus greatly value inclusion and what it brings to Villanova. Sophomore Madeline Kline is involved in Special Olympics and Best Buddies, and works to make inclusion a part of her everyday life.

“To me, inclusion means creating a community filled with love, unity and acceptance for everyone,” Kline said. “The key to inclusion is spreading positivity and embracing differences.”

Inclusion is crucial on college campuses like Villanova’s. After all, every college student is simply a young adult trying to figure it out. Finding community and inclusion during college can make tough times easier.

“Inclusion means being able to walk into a room and not feel out of place and being able to relate to the people in the room and find at least one person in the room that you can be yourself around completely.”

The goal of Inclusion Week is to raise awareness about resources and supportive groups where one can feel embraced and comfortable expressing their true self. Spreading positivity and love is also a great part of this week.

A student involved with Best Buddies shared, “I have had such an amazing time getting involved with Best Buddies this year, and it is so great to see them have a chance to share their amazing mission this week.”

Best Buddies, along with other organizations that support those underrepresented at Villanova, have a chance to reach a greater audience of students. Inclusion Week is a way to showcase some of Villanova’s most powerful student organizations that might not always get the recognition they deserve. Sophomore Sarah Augustine talked about the great impact of Special Olympics from her view of inclusion.

“To me, inclusion is a feeling that no matter who you are, you are valued despite your differences,” Augustine said. “This past weekend, I attended Unified Sports for Special Olympics and it showed, no matter our differences, we are able to connect over a sport we love.”

At the heart of Villanovans’ understanding of inclusion, there are values of mutual connection, acceptance and appreciation for one another. As the Villanova community continues through the year, remembering Inclusion Week and applying the lessons we learned can help keep our campus united.