On the Shoulders of Giants 

As a young child, I relished in the bedtime stories my grandmother would create and share. Her gift for storytelling allowed me to imagine and dream of worlds unknown—a testament to the power and importance of storytelling. Her stories connected me to people near and far and sparked my curiosity to know and learn. 

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of NAFSA, an organization so many of us in the profession of international education have claimed as our home, it is fitting that we celebrate the milestone through storytelling: stories that will capture our imaginations, bind us together, and remind us of our raison d’être.

My own NAFSA story is one that connects me to international educators through the decades. When I was a young professional in the field over 30 years ago, my mentor and boss invested in me by sponsoring me to attend a NAFSA regional conference in Pittsburgh. He was the first to introduce me to international education as a field. 

I distinctly remember that first conference as if it were yesterday. I remember the energy of the space, the rich learning that took place, and the networks forged with passionate and deeply committed colleagues. I remember to this day how it made me feel. I felt that I had found a home and felt welcomed. 

This feeling and experience is one I wish for all who join NAFSA. We are a community of passionate, dedicated people who believe in the power of international education as a force for change and a force for good. In a world that can be so divided at times, our sense of belonging and unified action is contagious and provides for much hope. 

We are a community of passionate, dedicated people who believe in the power of international education as a force for change and a force for good.

As we celebrate 75 years of the association’s work, let’s be reminded of the resilience, community, and impact of our collective efforts and renew our pledge to work diligently toward a field of international education that is just, equitable, and inclusive—a field committed to preparing the next generation to lead in a changing world. 

Our 75th anniversary projects—the special issue of International Educator and the digital experience—pay homage to the people who make up the field of international education and captures our imaginations and hearts through the stories of our diverse members. You’ll find stories about our past but also about how we chart the next chapter of our collective future. As we celebrate those who came before us, let us recognize that we stand on the shoulders of giants and realize that we must imagine the next chapters of the field and work to create the change we wish to see. 

This is an open invitation to all readers to help us chart the future of NAFSA and the field. I trust that you will see yourself in the stories of your peers and that they will elicit joy, hope, and renewal. Please be sure to help us build on the power of those stories by sharing your own at nafsa.org/75years.  •