A Place to Belong: Showing Up After the Break

This past week, we returned from Christmas break to reconnect with our students and jump back into our mentor circle discussions. As we begin this next chapter, our conversations are shifting—from talking about our individual stories, who we want to become, and what we hope to do—to a deeper focus on community and belonging.

We spent time talking about students’ favorite places to hang out and why those spaces matter to them. From there, we explored why belonging to a group or community is so important—especially during middle school, a season where many students are still figuring out where they fit.

Some weeks are challenging. Gathering middle school students into small groups can be difficult, especially when energy is low or engagement feels limited. But even in those moments, we’re reminded why showing up matters. As we talk about belonging, we also strive to demonstrate it—by being present for the students who continue to show up week after week.

They look forward to gathering together, excited to see familiar faces and retreat into a small space set apart from everything else. We are committed to creating a place of belonging that doesn’t have to be earned or deserved—a space students can enter without fear that it will disappear.

Even when students aren’t ready or eager to engage in conversation, they are finding comfort in the space, the relationships, and the steady presence of care. And when they are ready, they’ll know exactly where to go—to a safe place where they can find the support they need.

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