The BYU School of Nursing hosted a fall-themed booth at the BYU Belonging Week kickoff on Sept. 29 as part of its goal to promote belonging.
With a pumpkin-painting station, the school's statement on belonging and interactive activities, the booth was the School of Nursing's main involvement with BYU Belonging Week.
Elle Harris, a current BYU student working on the PR team for the college, said the team hopes everyone feels welcome.
“We want everyone to recognize that they belong with us and at BYU,” Harris said.
Harris said they are encouraging nursing students to get involved with the week's events. They have also advertised belonging events and encouraged attendance for events in the past.
The theme of BYU Belonging Week this year is “Reflecting the Light of Jesus Christ.” The Office of Belonging hosted a lecture, service opportunities and other activities.
The nursing booth gave out fall treats and had students write what belonging means to them on paper leaves.
Elijah Clayson, another student on the School of Nursing PR team, said the group focuses on kindness and inclusion.
“We want to promote love, equality and kindness, above anything else,” Clayson said.
The School of Nursing prioritizes belonging, with a statement on its mission and values page, saying it “values a culture of belonging,” and hopes to use belonging to strengthen its quality of care.
“I think it’s super neat that belonging is a core value of the college of nursing,” said Maycen Robinson, another member of the nursing PR team.
“Part of Christ’s art is how we show love towards all those around us,” Clayson said.
The School of Nursing also has a Council of Belonging and Wellness, a group of faculty with specific goals to cultivate belonging within the college.
Carly Peterson, the temporary co-chair for the belonging council, said it's focused on creating an environment where everyone has a place.
“I was so happy to be on the committee,” Peterson said. “It’s a privilege.”
The committee's goals are to enhance understanding, promote inclusive practices, address barriers, enhance well-being and promote resources.
“I appreciate that BYU is so focused on belonging,” Peterson said. “In a time when things are a little crazy in the world, I love that we still can focus on the fact that we are children of God.”
The belonging committee is currently planning an event for Día de los Muertos. Nursing students and their families will be invited to eat, socialize and send family pictures to a digital ofrenda.
“It’s not so much about meeting some quota … it’s about being aware of the one,” Peterson said about the council's goals for belonging in nursing.
Peterson said she hopes the group's efforts will translate to nursing students’ future careers.
“As nurses, we believe that we are doing the healer’s art,” Peterson said. “With the Savior at the center of belonging, it becomes higher and holier."