Kalamazoo Times

Tim Smolenski, an alumnus of Western Michigan University, has established a support group on campus for students who have been adopted. Growing up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, after being born in Korea, Smolenski had never addressed his identity as an adoptee until recently. His exploration into his own adoption history prompted him to create a community for adopted students at his alma mater.

Smolenski shared, "I'm so blessed and fortunate to have been adopted by such a loving and accepting family, but my adoption wasn't really a topic of conversation. And as a young adolescent growing up, I was just trying my best to fit in." This personal journey during the pandemic led him to discover more about his own adoption history and connect with others who had similar experiences.

As a navigation specialist with Multicultural Affairs for Students at Western Michigan University, Smolenski's role involves fostering relationships with students. He noted, "Part of my role as a navigation specialist is to build relationships with students, create a sense of belonging and allow students to find themselves so they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom."

The adoptee group was formed in the fall of 2023, beginning with a modest five members. It has since grown to include 20 members by the spring of 2025, including students from various academic stages. Its members engage in activities such as painting and Lego building, which Smolenski believes "help ease the pressure when discussing vulnerable topics."

Maya Rice, an undergraduate student in criminal justice and social work, expressed, "Growing up … I had never had another adopted classmate. When I went to this group's first meeting, I could not believe how many adoptees were in the group. It was the most adopted people I'd seen in my life!" Addison Osgood, a psychology student, shared the sentiment, stating that the "sense of community has made that feeling disappear" for the introverted student.

Another member, Kaia Gallagher, commented on the importance of such groups, saying, "I think college campuses are a great opportunity to find one's community and what better way to do this than through relating on deeper levels."

The adoptee group is accessible to any student who has experienced adoption, whether internationally or domestically. Smolenski encourages interested students to contact him for more details.

For additional information on Western Michigan University news and events, visit WMU News online.