A Taste of Home and a Celebration of Resilience for Students from Dominica

On May 29, staff members Staren Brayboy, Roberta Cascio, and Dean Joeane Laurent hosted a very special event for our students from Dominica. All were welcomed for a “Cook-In” celebration where they together prepared a traditional Dominican one-pot meal, sharing stories, laughter, and a cherished part of their culture.

This gathering was created to celebrate our graduating students in a way that felt personal, meaningful, and full of community. 

While Commencement is often a time for families to come together, many of our international students experience the occasion differently, with loved ones unable to make the journey to the U.S. because of financial, time, or visa-related challenges. During this season, our Student Services teams go above and beyond to ensure these students feel supported, valued, and connected. This event was a reflection of that commitment -- a chance to remind our graduates that, even when family members cannot be here in person, their Monroe family is cheering them on every step of the way.

The three women leading it - -all of whom have deep family roots in Dominica -- set out to create a moment that would remind them that they are seen, appreciated, and deeply supported.

The students certainly received more than an amazing meal, for Ms. Brayboy, Ms. Cascio, and Dean Laurent had a special surprise planned.

Without the students’ knowledge, they had reached out to their families back home and asked them to record video messages. As the videos began to play, the room quickly filled with emotion as the students watched their parents, siblings, relatives, and other loved ones shared words of pride, encouragement, and love. 

There was hardly a dry eye in the room. For a few precious moments, the distance between Dominica and Monroe seemed to disappear.

The event was a powerful reminder that while these students may be far from home, they are never alone.

Their journeys have not been easy. Among the graduates are students who first arrived in 2019, returned home during a challenging period in their country, and later came back to complete their degrees. Through uncertainty, setbacks, and sacrifice, they remained committed to their goals. Their resilience, determination, and perseverance are inspiring, and their success is well deserved.

Ms. Brayboy, Ms. Cascio, and Dean Laurent say that supporting these students has been one of the greatest privileges of their work. Serving as mentors, advocates, and a home away from home has allowed them to witness firsthand the strength and character of this remarkable group of students.

The impact of the surprise was evident in the messages students shared afterward:

“I just want to take the opportunity, if I didn’t do it today, to thank Joeane Laurent, Onasis Rock, Staren Brayboy, Roberta Cascio, and Jemimah Hill for the congratulatory video and how much it meant to all of us. You guys really surprised us with no trigger warning, and know that it was appreciated. ❤️”

“This was a very heartfelt moment, and we deeply appreciated it. Thank you so much. Monroe to the world.”

“I'd like to echo the same sentiments.Thank you for all that you do for us and will continue to do. We truly appreciate each and every one of you. ❤️”

“It was definitely a thoughtful gesture, and it meant a lot to all of us. Thank you for taking the time to do that for us. 🫶🏽🫶🏽”

These messages reflect what the evening was truly about: community, connection, and belonging.

A special thank-you goes to Onasis Rock from Residence Life and Jemimah Hill from Career Services, both Dominican graduate students, who helped make this celebration possible. Their willingness to support, mentor, and encourage fellow Dominican students has made a lasting difference and embodies the spirit of family that exists within our community.

As we celebrate these graduates, we are reminded that success is about more than earning a degree. It is about overcoming obstacles, building community, and supporting one another along the way. We are incredibly proud of our Dominican graduates and grateful to have been part of their journey.

Your Monroe family is cheering you on every step of the way!