The sense of belonging at school plays a crucial role in students’ physiological, academic and behavioral outcomes. Participating in sports, clubs and ASB organized events enables students to feel like they belong at our school.
”Belonging is more than just being part of a group—it’s about finding places where you feel comfortable expressing yourself and being accepted, understood, and appreciated for all your identities,” stated M.Ed, health education specialist Carol Spencer from John Hopkins University on her article Connection and Belonging.
Spencer reminded readers that belonging has a significant impact on various aspects of life including emotional and social well-being as well as social identity. Students’ sense of belonging at school encourages them to engage in their learning and participate in class.
CSF president and ASB treasurer Nicole Curutchague (12) expressed how being in clubs allows her to enjoy her school days more. “I chose to be in clubs because I wanted to be a part of something bigger rather than just being a high school student,” Curutchague stated. As an officer in two clubs Curutchague is grateful to be able to make others feel valued and like they belong at the school with her participation in organizing events.
“It is easier to make friends in clubs because you meet many different people and you realize how similar you are to others which connects you together,” Curutchague stated.
Feeling like you belong involves having friends to socialize with both at school and outside of school. Sports and clubs are a great opportunity for students to connect with each other because those people already have a shared interest.
In sports students bond over shared goals, shared experiences and shared identities. Wearing team jerseys, cheering on athletes in the student section, having family and friends watching in the bleachers and representing the school allows students to form a bigger community. Students that are not passionate about doing sports can still feel like they belong in the sports community by making posters and being a part of the student section.
“One of our main goals in ASB is to make every student and staff member feel like they are a part of Tiger Nation. Dress up weeks, rallies and student sections help remind students how we all share the same Tiger pride,” Curutchague stated.
Teamwork and shared experiences between our students help them feel like they belong at our school. All together us students and staff form our Tiger Nation, where everyone matters. Go Tigers!
