The Power of Belonging
The Power of Belonging
As I stepped onto the Meadows campus for the first time in my new role this summer, I was transported back to the first day of Kindergarten, when all I could think about was if someone would come sit next to me. As a child, feeling accepted and included can mean the world. In uncertain and unprecedented times like these, its importance is even more heightened. That's why this year's theme of inclusion resonated so deeply with me. It's a reminder to all of us of the power we hold as individuals to make those around us feel like they belong.
Being new to the community myself, and leading Meadows Arts, I have spent a fair amount of time questioning the concept of belonging and inclusion. What makes us feel like we belong? How does feeling included shape the person we become? For me, I believe experiences are a key factor. They tend to stay in our memories and have lasting impressions. Think back to a time when you were not included. Maybe it was a kickball game, and you were picked last. Or a Saturday night, and you found out your friends went out without you. Perhaps even something as simple as not having anyone to sit with during lunch on the first day of Kindergarten.
A while back, a friend told me about her experience of her first day in a new school. She had only immigrated to the US a couple of years prior with her family and was still quite unsure of herself socially. When role call came that first day, her teacher had a hard time pronouncing her long and unique name in front of the class. Rather than learning it, the teacher decided in front of everyone that it was too difficult and she would abbreviate it. Needless to say, my friend was embarrassed and humiliated. It took her years to embrace and feel proud of the beautiful and meaningful name her parents gave her, and she told me that even as an adult, looking back on that experience still hurts her.
Recently, I observed Ms. Sirota's Lower School music class where she read a new book that parallels my friend's story. It's titled Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Luisa Uribe. It tells the story of a young girl, Kora-Jalimuso, returning after her first day of school, frustrated that her teachers and classmates mispronounce her beautiful name. Her mother responds by explaining how a person's name is the doorway to their identity. In hopes of remedying the problem, she creates a song for her daughter's name to share with everyone at school. Empowered with the understanding and confidence provided from her mother, Kora-Jalimuso returns to school the next day, sharing her song with the class. Now imagine for a moment if my friend had read this book as a child and felt empowered in the same way.
While each child's school experience is as unique as their name, we at the Meadows are committed to ensuring every student feels like they're a part of this community. Whether it's taking the time to learn to pronounce a new student's name, or in my case, a boy named Ken asking to sit next to me during lunch. We all hold the power to give those around us the gift of inclusion and acceptance, and it can be life-changing. Now and in the future, let's make a commitment to each other to share this gift daily.
Michael Orman
Director of the Arts
Being new to the community myself, and leading Meadows Arts, I have spent a fair amount of time questioning the concept of belonging and inclusion. What makes us feel like we belong? How does feeling included shape the person we become? For me, I believe experiences are a key factor. They tend to stay in our memories and have lasting impressions. Think back to a time when you were not included. Maybe it was a kickball game, and you were picked last. Or a Saturday night, and you found out your friends went out without you. Perhaps even something as simple as not having anyone to sit with during lunch on the first day of Kindergarten.
A while back, a friend told me about her experience of her first day in a new school. She had only immigrated to the US a couple of years prior with her family and was still quite unsure of herself socially. When role call came that first day, her teacher had a hard time pronouncing her long and unique name in front of the class. Rather than learning it, the teacher decided in front of everyone that it was too difficult and she would abbreviate it. Needless to say, my friend was embarrassed and humiliated. It took her years to embrace and feel proud of the beautiful and meaningful name her parents gave her, and she told me that even as an adult, looking back on that experience still hurts her.
Recently, I observed Ms. Sirota's Lower School music class where she read a new book that parallels my friend's story. It's titled Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Luisa Uribe. It tells the story of a young girl, Kora-Jalimuso, returning after her first day of school, frustrated that her teachers and classmates mispronounce her beautiful name. Her mother responds by explaining how a person's name is the doorway to their identity. In hopes of remedying the problem, she creates a song for her daughter's name to share with everyone at school. Empowered with the understanding and confidence provided from her mother, Kora-Jalimuso returns to school the next day, sharing her song with the class. Now imagine for a moment if my friend had read this book as a child and felt empowered in the same way.
While each child's school experience is as unique as their name, we at the Meadows are committed to ensuring every student feels like they're a part of this community. Whether it's taking the time to learn to pronounce a new student's name, or in my case, a boy named Ken asking to sit next to me during lunch. We all hold the power to give those around us the gift of inclusion and acceptance, and it can be life-changing. Now and in the future, let's make a commitment to each other to share this gift daily.
Michael Orman
Director of the Arts
- Arts