OUR THEME FOR THE 2022–2023 SCHOOL YEAR IS BELONGING. WE KNOW THIS FEELING IS AN ESSENTIAL CONDITION FOR HEALTHY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT. WE ALSO KNOW THIS TERM CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DEFINE. HERE, SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS DESCRIBE IT FOR US AND OTHERS SPEAK TO HOW THEY HAVE FOUND A SENSE OF BELONGING AT UPREP.
Belonging is about all voices having an opportunity to be heard. –Lucy Patterson, 8th Grade Student
To me, belonging means I can bring my full self to a community, and I will be accepted and respected for my similarities and differences. I have experienced belonging at UPrep through affinity spaces (for adults), as well as being asked to participate in the school community through coaching, advising, and chaperoning a Global Link trip." –Doug Moon, Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid
Belonging is when we can be our authentic selves while participating in the world around us. We matter and we believe others do, too, and we aren't afraid to express that. It is being in the world with open arms." –Priscilla Lindberg, History Teacher
In advisory, I have liked getting to meet the new members of the UPrep community and connecting with them through activities and discussions." –Sophie Whittaker, 9th Grade Student
UPrep provides so many different spaces and groups so people can see and feel if they belong in that space or group." –Hannah Salemy, 8th Grade Student
Communities create a sense of belonging when everyone adheres to the same general agreements to make the community as welcoming as possible. People have to welcome and accept each person for who they are and be willing to talk to and learn from those who are different from them." –Beruk Sims, 11th Grade Student
Everyone is super welcoming, super kind, and accepts all differences, no matter the size. Personally, I feel acceptance and belonging in my group of friends and with all my teachers." –Nico Arabian, 9th Grade Student
The work I do with students involves building rapport with them. During those initial meetings, I'm figuring out each student's goals, fears, aspirations, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. I'm trying to build mutual trust, gain familiarity, and determine what makes them distinctive individuals—and that takes time. I feel a sense of belonging when our conversations extend beyond the task at hand and become fun, weird, and totally off-topic. I hope in these moments my students feel like they belong, too." –Britten Nelson, Associate Director of College Counseling
Joining extracurriculars in such a warm, welcoming community has made feeling like a member of the UPrep community a very smooth transition for me." –Hana Hyde, 11th Grade Student
Culture Night is one of the UPrep events where I feel most connected with the community. Everyone brings their whole selves to share with each other." –Chelsea Doran, UPrep Parent
Belonging is an anchor. It's being tied to something (a place, a person) where you feel safe and comfortable. My family and friends are the main people who I find belonging with, and I made many of my friends through school (both at UPrep and UW)—and I am so grateful for them." –Chris McCarty '22
One of my best connections happens every fall when the D1 girls soccer team is screaming (singing) their favorite songs on the bus to play SAAS. Every spring, I think I'm too busy to coach next year, but every fall on those bus rides, those players remind me that I belong on the field and in this community." –Brian Gonzales, Director of Innovation and Experiential Education
