For many BYU students, finding a sense of belonging is an important part of adjusting to campus life. On Monday, Sept. 28, the Office of Belonging kicked off its weeklong Belonging Week event, bringing together students, campus organizations and university resources designed to help students find their place on campus.
The event, held in Brigham Square, connected students with colleges, departments and campus organizations that offer opportunities for involvement and community building.
For JT Ahlstrom, a sense of connection was one of the reasons he chose to attend BYU.
“I've always wanted to come to BYU and be a student here, and I think it's the atmosphere of combining the religious aspect with the secular learning aspect that really drew me, and finding so many people that are like me,” Ahlstrom said.
According to organizers, Belonging Week is designed to help students discover communities and resources available across campus. Representatives from every college, along with numerous departments and organizations, participated in the kickoff event.
“Today’s the kickoff,” said Shana Clemence of the Office of Belonging. “Booths are getting students connected with belonging that's happening around campus. Every college is represented here, and a lot of other departments and units are sharing what students can connect to across campus.”
Organizers say the event is about more than encouraging students to visit a booth or join a club. They hope meaningful connections can help combat feelings of isolation that many students experience.
“I think there’s also an epidemic of loneliness,” Clemence said. “So if you can feel connected with real people where you spend time on campus, I think it’s really helpful.”
For student Leslie Mandizwidza, "belonging" means to “being able to come into any space and feel understood and heard,” Mandizwidza said.
She added that finding belonging often begins with taking small steps and being willing to meet new people.
“Just being able to go up to people and say hi and meeting new people, putting yourself out there and going to events, whether you like them or not,” Leslie said. “Just be open-minded and willing to talk to others and be around other people.”
For students still searching for a place on campus, Belonging Week offers an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, connect with others and discover resources that can help them feel at home within the BYU community.