Belonging
To me, inclusivity is when I feel like I belong somewhere. It's more of how the people talk to me or invite me out; depending on the people I'm with, I feel comfortable and like myself, that's belonging and inclusivity. At OU, I'm at a slight disadvantage; I don't live there and I never have. Being introverted means I have a hard time talking to others. But, there was a class this semester I got very into and felt at ease. Professor Tolliver’s class was one of my favorites because of how welcoming and accommodating she was. Students picked up on it, and they too felt more inclusive compared to other classes I've been in.
For one of my assignments, I wrote about poetry:
“Writing poetry makes me see the beauty surrounding me. It helps me release my emotions and see others' emotions for what it is.
Regarding the robber's cave, I don't think this accurately describes group participation because of the amount of manipulation from the researchers. They challenged the children and pitted them against each other when they never really cared at first whether or not they were in the same area. They only cared when the researchers made them go against each other and participate in activities that caused them to rival. They also manipulated how they became close because of them taking their water supply away. That is incredibly unethical and could have resulted in worse consequences. I understand the concept of the theory, but I don't think it was accurately researched.
I honestly suggest writing to relieve any thoughts or feelings that negatively impact your daily life. Even if you're fighting with someone, writing about it causes you to think more clearly about the situation in an objective way. “
This accurately describes how poetry can also help me feel included. Words have beauty behind them, and if You can see and capture that beauty, life is much more astonishing. Words help me feel like I belong, without beautiful words, I'm not sure I'd feel any sense of belonging.
The next work I'll be discussing is a letter I wrote in this class for my oldest niece. I am extremely close to her, and when I wrote this I began crying because I realized how much she's grown and how quickly it seems to be happening:
Dear Hennleigh,
I see the fear in your face when we’re in public and I want to be sure that you know everyone struggles with it, including me. It can be very difficult at times to navigate your anxiety, but there are many ways to try and calm your nerves. I’m sure you probably got it from me, seeing as no one else in our family struggles with it. I'm sorry you must go through it but know that talking to others helps. May it be in public on the phone while you're shopping, or just taking someone with you. Music also really helps to drown out the constant stress. These are things I do to navigate my day-to-day life and I’m sure they can help you as you grow too.
Love,
Faithie”
The source that stood out to me the most is the does and biographies we looked at about James Baldwin. I have always had a sense of respect and fondness for people who've overcome all odds to do the things they love. "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation" by James Baldwin. The way he writes helps me imagine his situation. I never really thought about how different life is when you are a person of color, so to read about his life and the things he went through was amazing and perspective-altering. He found his sense of belonging a long way from where he grew up. He found what he loved, and he ran with it. A sense of belonging can be things you do for yourself. You need to do something you love to feel like you belong.
One way I think OU can improve its inclusivity is by doing actual dances or parties for students. It makes people go out of their bubbles in a neutral environment where not many people know each other.