Linda White, a California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) communication-media studies concentration alumna, is a lifelong learner with a passion for technology. White’s graduate research has included the exploration of how augmented reality might help students build a stronger sense of community and connection with CSUSB. With technology advancing at lightning speed, CSUSB has a commitment and focus to grow right along with it, most particularly with the xREAL Lab technologies. White is in the first phase of her thesis project and is researching how people navigate spaces and turn them into places. Making a space a place with the benefit of augmented reality could increase a sense of belonging for first-generation students–it could also heighten the confidence and security for students by developing a true communing campus for all. A recipient of the 2023 Innovative Media and Technology Graduate Research Award, White is grateful to be working closely with Dr. Mihaela Popescu as her project chair in the development of the theoretical framework that will be the outcome of her augmented reality thesis research at CSUSB.