By Molly Malick (BA 25)
Cindy Bradley’s (MS 17) heart for third culture kids (TCKs) stems from her experience growing up in Liberia, West Africa, as a missionary kid (MK) from age five to 18.
A TCK is someone who has spent a significant portion of their formative years in a country different from at least one of their parents’ home countries because of one or both of their parents’ careers. MuKappa, a national organization, was founded in 1986 by TCKs for TCKs to aid in the transition from living in a cross-cultural environment to a college campus.
Bradley had been working in the admissions office at Grace for ten years before she became the staff adviser for MuKappa. As an MK, she’d noticed the need for a dedicated space for TCKs and MKs to connect.
In 2021, Bradley met Mikaylah Phillips, a prospective student visiting from Niger, West Africa, where her parents were missionaries. Phillips committed to Grace and kept in touch with Bradley once she moved on campus the following fall.
“She used my car when she needed it for her practicums,” said Bradley. “I considered myself her auntie on campus.”
Phillips and fellow MK Samantha Fudge approached Bradley the next fall about starting a MuKappa chapter at Grace. Bradley eagerly accepted.
Dr. Jacqueline (Julien BA 86) Schram, dean of academic engagement and success and fellow MK from France, also serves as a mentor to the MuKappa club members.
“It’s been an absolute delight to connect with the students in Grace’s MuKappa chapter,” said Schram. “They represent such a beautiful tapestry of diverse cultures, yet we all share amazingly common experiences.”
“Bradley and Schram have been a true provision from the Lord,” said Phillips. “The familial relationships formed through MuKappa have eased my transition to college and helped me understand how my background contributed to struggles I’ve faced.”
MuKappa holds weekly “family dinners” on Monday nights at Alpha Dining or Westy Grille. Occasionally, Bradley, Schram, or fellow MK Ana Bryant, will host the dinner at their home. The group organizes one special event every month and attends an annual weekend retreat for MuKappa chapters all over the Midwest.
“The main purpose of the group is connecting. Whoever is available meets up, and we catch up on each other’s lives. The students express their needs, and we let them know that we’re here,” said Bradley. “I’m excited about our potential for growth and continuing to meet students wherever they are.”
Read more stories about how we’re doing mentorship at Grace.
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