Get Into Grinnell Blog

	International Student Pre-Orientation Program enjoyed a scavenger hunt around downtown this week. Ninety-four students from around the globe join the Class of 2023.

Our office and the community-at-large has been a flutter of activity this week as we slowly begin to welcome the many new members of the Class of 2023 to Grinnell and Grinnell College's campus this week, and all their peers returning for their remaining years as Pioneers. As they begin to arrive, I encourage all of us to take the time to go out of our way to be welcoming to our new community members and their families, and extend kindness as they become acquainted with Grinnell. 

They've never lived here - they're not familiar with our community. They'll likely make our wait times a little longer in restaurants, our drive time slightly increased as we have more pedestrians around town but let's be thankful and patient for all of it. These students (and their families) are vital to the economy and growth of this community we all love. They may become employees in many of our businesses and organizations, they will get involved to help make a positive impact during their time here, and it's possible many may never leave this community as they fall in love with it just as we have. 

So let's remember to be kind, helpful and patient this week and the next few weeks to come especially. Our educational institutions bring a beautifully young and diverse community that many communities would do anything to attract. Let's all do our part to extend kindness to help make them feel welcome here for years to come. 

--Rachael Kinnick