MULTARITY SESSION REPORT

STUDENT A:

• One student shared that belonging isn't simply "black and white," but rather a complex process that requires personal reflection. They emphasized questioning whether the group they belong to truly aligns with their purpose, suggesting a deeper understanding of belonging beyond just acceptance.

• They spoke about struggling with being different as a child, specifically mentioning the challenges of fitting in as a "tomboy." This highlighted how early experiences of exclusion can shape one's understanding of belonging.

• Another observation noted that people often assume everyone has "their people," but in small communities, this can be challenging. Social media, however, was seen as a tool that can help bridge the gap by connecting individuals beyond local limitations.

STUDENT B:

• This student reflected on their experience of moving from one cultural environment to a completely different one, which helped them understand the value of sharing common backgrounds and forming bonds through mutual interests.

• They described their realization that belonging is more about building personal connections than simply being accepted into a group. This shift in perspective emphasized that belonging involves growth through personal relationships.

• They also noted that cultural boundaries often limit belonging, as people tend to stick together within familiar circles. The importance of being open-minded and breaking free from such limitations was highlighted as key to experiencing true belonging.

STUDENT C:

• This student shared their experience of moving frequently, discussing the challenge of adjusting to new environments and how this affected their sense of belonging. They found that surrounding themselves with familiar people was crucial for regaining a sense of belonging after each move.

• They provided an insight that belonging initially seemed to be about separating oneself or establishing boundaries. Over time, they learned that it is more about forming one’s own community and focusing on connection rather than exclusion.

• The journey to finding belonging was described as both scary and wonderful. This participant came to view belonging as something magical, especially when it involves making new connections, moving away from a simplistic, "black and white" understanding.

STUDENT D

• One student described their experience with a sports team, where their teammates' support during an injury made them feel like part of a family. They appreciated that they didn’t need to be perfect to belong, which left a lasting impact on their understanding of unconditional belonging.

• They also noted that belonging isn't always easy or straightforward—it requires time, patience, and a deep understanding beyond simply finding common interests. Genuine connection was recognized as more complex than it might seem.

• The importance of following one’s intuition in deciding where to belong was highlighted. This participant shared advice they would give to their younger self: to be cautious about where they try to belong and to prioritize a genuine, comfortable connection rather than trying to fit in everywhere.

STUDENT E:

• This student noted that belonging means more than being tolerated in a space—it requires being truly wanted and accepted by others. This highlighted the importance of active, meaningful inclusion, rather than passive acceptance.

• They shared how frequent moves in their life left them feeling like an outsider, with parts of themselves that they weren’t fully sharing. This insight emphasized the idea that belonging involves revealing oneself completely, which can be a significant challenge after repeated disruptions.

• Finally, this student reflected on the difficulty of maintaining lasting relationships due to constant changes, which made belonging sometimes feel unattainable. They pointed out the challenge of building meaningful connections when there is an assumption that relationships won't last long.