Perspective
The Importance of Belonging for Health and Well-Being
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ostering a sense of belonging for every student on our campus is one of St. Margaret’s highest priorities. We strive to create a positive school culture so that students learn acceptance of self and others, inclusivity, and empathy. Belonging is essential to our psychological and physical health, and influences our thoughts and the way we interact with the world. Belonging is part of our biology from the moment we are born. We are dependent on our attachment figures for survival, which supports the need to belong. According to the Mayo Clinic, a sense of belonging is a fundamental way that we organize ourselves in our social groups. The social ties that we develop at a young age serve as a protective factor of managing stress and help us cope in our everyday life. The absence of socialization creates isolation and in some cases a loss of belonging. Exclusion and social isolation can affect psychosocial development during childhood and adolescence, according to research by Psychology Today. This was never more evident than during the pandemic. A Harvard University study found that due to physical distancing, teens were hit hardest during the pandemic, triggering a “loneliness epidemic.” On the contrary, research indicates having a sense of belonging is positively associated with academic success and motivation as well. In a 2017 study, the more students felt a sense of belonging, the more they valued required academic work and reported a higher self-belief that they would be successful. Additional studies linked school campus belonging to positive psychological outcomes, including social acceptance, positive emotions and self-worth. Harvard psychologist Dr. Weissbourd, states that creating a “robust social infrastructure,” like we strive to create at St. Margaret’s, can foster belonging and conversely ward off social isolation. It makes sense, too. We all recognize the desire in ourselves to be included, valued, heard and understood by others, especially among those who are most important to us. When we feel surrounded by people who love, respect and support us, it nurtures our confidence, willingness to try something new, to share thoughts and ideas, strive for our goals and engage in the world. At St. Margaret’s, we define belonging as: I am
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able to bring my full self every single day to my community. I don’t need to take any part of me off, leave it behind, or put anything on to fit in. When I walk onto St. Margaret’s campus, and I am my full self, I can belong. We nurture belonging in our students through a variety of intentional efforts that begin with developing and investing in meaningful relationships to know and build trust with our students. Another critical aspect of fostering belonging is an inclusive institutional lens that recognizes and celebrates the diversity in our community. Being known and loved for the beautiful, unique person you are, directly and positively impacts health, personal performance and success, and overall well-being. This is especially important for young people who are growing and developing, which makes it vital work to us, says Director of Equity and Inclusion Victor Cota.
BY DR. JANICE AVALONE ALL-SCHOOL COUNSELOR
day more enjoyable for everyone. It makes us a healthier community.” Rooted in our Episcopal identity, the institutional outlook on belonging is realized in part through multilayers of student programs and support in each division that help foster an inclusive and supportive environment. Faculty members partner with parents and each other to ensure that every student is known and has one or more adults to connect with on campus. Student programs and groups such as Chapel, arts, athletics, Lower School Buddy Program, Middle and Upper School Advisory, Peer Counseling, Tartan Inclusivity and Diversity Education (TIDE), student affinity groups and clubs, and of course the instructional classroom itself, serve the purpose of increasing belonging and connectedness on our campus. We also recognize the power of peer programs and the positive outcomes for all students involved,
"At St. Margaret’s, we define belonging as: I am able to bring my full self every single day to my community. I don’t need to take any part of me off, leave it behind, or put anything on to fit in. When I walk onto St. Margaret’s campus, and I am my full self, I can belong.” Mr. Cota shares, “Being seen, valued and loved for who you are by nurturing adults and peers is the rich soil in which a young person flourishes and thrives. We have a wonderfully diverse community made up of people who come from many cultures, backgrounds and experiences. We want every member to feel they belong here. At its most fundamental level, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) work is about ensuring that every member of our community can belong, and as a result be healthy and well during their time at St. Margaret’s and beyond.” St. Margaret’s Director of Student Wellness Patrick Bendzick also reminds us that when all members of our community are comfortable being their authentic selves every day on our campus, it increases the wellness, positivity and outlook of our entire community. “Feeling a sense of belonging improves the way we think as a community, reinforces others’ confidence in being themselves, provides a better understanding of different experiences and the world around us, and makes the
including increased self-awareness and confidence, personal growth, trust, role modeling, leadership skills and, of course, belongingness. In 2021-2022, St. Margaret’s also aims to resume the full experience of our service learning program in partnership with our local community. We will continue professional development around culturally responsive teaching—understanding one’s own backgrounds and experiences and those of students, to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment. Other school DEI efforts that nurture belonging include developing cultural competency skills in our students and language justice within our community. As we look toward the new school year, we will continue our focus on student health and wellness as well as rebuilding community connections, with belonging at the center. Fundamentally, no one can truly belong and be fully themselves, seen and valued, until everyone is able to be fully themselves, seen and valued.
