Many students have family members who live in different states. For sophomore Amairani Donnelson, family separation is roughly 1,000 miles.

“[My family is from] Mexico, but I have some family here in the United States,” Donnelson said. “It’s odd, my Mexican family comes to visit when they can, usually during breaks and random days they take off.”

Donnelson enjoys their visits because they “liven up the house.”

“Mexican culture is very bonded and [everyone] is friendly and chatty and acts like an old friend,” Donnelson said. “Everyone is engaged with one another and enjoys each other’s company.”

Donnelson likes the “tight-knit” culture the family brings, and looks forward to the times Donnelson gets to travel to Mexico to visit them.

“It’s fun to go over there simply because I’m surrounded by my culture and feel at home,” Donnelson said.