Hi there! My name is Erina Shin, and I’m from Nashville, Tennessee. Some may think I’m crazy for living in Nashville for so long, but this city has grown and changed so much since I’ve lived here that it almost feels unrecognizable to where it was about 20 years ago. Although I was given an opportunity to play college volleyball in Virginia, COVID took a turn on my life in late 2020/early 2021 and led me to Belmont where I was able to still pursue my dreams of playing in collegiate athletics. I recently just graduated this May of 2025 with a degree in Sociology and Spanish and wouldn’t change anything that has happened to me for the better. I’m incredibly grateful for my experience here and all the meaningful connections I have made here professors, other students, and staff alike.

Some things to know about me are that I love playing sports, spending time with friends and family, watching new shows on Netflix, playing with my dog, traveling, and trying new things whether that be new foods or activities! I have a younger sister who is also at Belmont and two amazing parents who are from South Korea. All in which through their undying support, I am a first generation college graduate.

Throughout my time at Belmont studying abroad, participating in mission trips, and taking classes across my sociological, Spanish, and social work stance, including my parents’ experiences, I’ve learned so much about the hardships immigrants face while traveling to a new country. Whether that be starting a life anew or finding another home away from home, the integration process they have to go through in many countries is long and grueling. Many times they lack support and need people to lean on to receive any help that they can get during that time or even longer. In my work abroad, I want to be able to provide comfort, meaningful connection, and learn about the potential differences and similarities of the immigrating process that can help shape my future endeavors surrounding social work after graduate school.