Sonja Nusser ’24 believes active engagement helps build great community, and she facilitates weekly programming through the LGBTQ Resource Center to create opportunities for students to connect and make friends.
How would you recommend incoming students go about finding community, a sense of belonging and making friends?
You might locate your community—those who want to support you as you truly are—through your classes, the LGBTQ Resource Center’s various socials and affinity groups, in clubs or through sports. Any of your interests and passions can be a gateway to finding support and solidarity in others.
Any of your interests and passions can be a gateway to finding support and solidarity in others.
Sonja Nusser ’24
In my experience as a queer woman in STEM, I’ve found it crucial to grow friendships with my fellow queer scientists, and that support has helped me through challenges.
I also think it’s important to view community as not a passive thing. I believe that a queer community is not merely created through a space or a group of people, but rather through the actions and contributions that each of us makes every day to those around us.
Knit 3, Spill the Tea is an informal weekly gathering open to all.
Tell us about Knit 3, Spill the Tea.
Knit 3 is a knitting and crocheting circle that meets in the LGBTQ Resource Center every Friday. We work on our projects, talk about our weeks and interests, or just decompress. For those who want to learn a new skill or start a new project, group members can use the resource center’s yarn, needles and hooks and learn from other group members. I usually teach basic knitting or run clothing repair clinics with a sewing kit, but it’s not too uncommon to find me curled up in a corner with some jasmine tea, having a deep conversation.
One of the most meaningful moments was when I got to witness as someone introduced themselves with their chosen name for the first time. I saw such euphoria and hope on their face—that was transformative and will always stick with me.
Sonja Nusser ’24
Knit 3 is very informal, which makes it a great opportunity to establish friendships and meet new people! The program is open to all, regardless of orientation, and students from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry are also welcome.
What are some other activities or events you’ve enjoyed on campus?
I’ve loved Halloqueen Ball—the LGBTQ Resource Center’s Halloween dance. The first year I attended as a participant and met two people who have become my close friends, and the second year I worked at the event as student staff with the LGBTQ Resource Center, and it reaffirmed my passion for my job. Through interactions with friends and strangers over the pumping music and fierce ballroom competition—the LGBTQ+ art form pioneered by Black and Brown queer people—I saw the joy and comfort I could help create for the people around me. One of the most meaningful moments was when I got to witness as someone introduced themselves with their chosen name for the first time. I saw such euphoria and hope on their face—that was transformative and will always stick with me.
One of the events Nusser and other student staff at LGBTQ Resource Center help organize is the annual Lavender Graduation, which celebrates and honors members of the queer community in the graduating class.
What are you looking forward to this upcoming year?
In my final year at Syracuse, I’m looking forward to planning and launching more programs and activities with the LGBTQ Resource Center. As the facilitator of the A-Spec affinity group, I’m excited to do more for the asexual-spectrum and aromantic-spectrum community on campus. I am also looking forward to conducting research in Professor Korter’s lab in the chemistry department and building my skills for my future.
What will you miss when you graduate?
I’ll miss the Outing Club, which has given me the opportunity to continue outdoor activities that I love, such as cross-country skiing, regardless of my access to equipment or transportation; helped me meet people with similar passions; and enabled me to explore the wonderful wilderness of Upstate New York. I’ve enjoyed adventuring with people at all levels of expertise and now that I’m a cross-country skiing leader I’m enjoying teaching people about the activity I love!
What are you looking forward to after college?
I chose Syracuse University because I was interested in the research opportunities offered in the chemistry department in the College of Arts and Sciences. This summer I have an internship through the National Science Foundation in their Research Experiences for Undergrads program. I’ll be working with high-powered lasers and thin films in the Engineering Research Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology at Colorado State University.
I’m excited to do more for the asexual-spectrum and aromantic-spectrum community on campus.
Sonja Nusser ’24
Long term, I’m planning to go to graduate school in physical chemistry, and my dream is to become a research professor. I want to pursue answers to fascinating scientific questions while providing opportunities for the queer and female scientists who come after me.
