Desire For Belonging

A fundamental part of human existence and interaction is the notion of belonging or identifying with a group. Groups form and exist for various reasons and purposes, comprising of individuals similar or diverse in nature, that often work together toward a common goal (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2014). In 1902, the American sociologist by the name of C. H. Cooley, made distinction between primary and secondary groups. Cooley (1902) classified primary group to have intimate and comparatively permanent associations as one might find in a cohort of close friends, or a family. The groups or associations in which individuals related to each other through formal and often legalistic rules, were classified as secondary groups (Nolen, 2010).

“We belong … like fish in water. We’re in our environment.” This quote from the New York Times shows the perception of belonging as the idea about connecting to a place, person, group or a community. 'Feliks Skrzynecki' by Peter Skrzynecki, 'I'm nobody! Who are you?' by Emily Dickinson and 'The Rabbits' by John Marsden & Shaun Tan show the concept of belonging as being contrasted towards the New York Times quote, showing the alienation and non-existent connection towards it. These texts have furthered my understanding on the perceptions of belonging by recognising the different concepts of connection to people, places and things.

‘An individual’s interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their experience of belonging.” Discuss this view with detailed reference ( 2010 HSC Question)

“I want to be an officer of this chapter of NSCS, because I wholeheartedly believe in its goals and its pillars. I have met so many people at this university who have such engaging and giving characters. If I could create a place where these kinds of people could gather as a group and as a family, for the service of others, then I couldn’t ask anything more from the ‘college experience.’ ” This was a short excerpt from the speech I gave when I ran for and won the position of Vice President of Events in my chapter of NSCS. In order to succeed in college, it is important to pursue your personal ambitions with a family of friends who’ll work together with you. To me, service and being a volunteer have been integral parts of my life. Upon entering

For most of my first year in college I felt lost and alone; I was not really involved with clubs or organizations until my second year at Miami Dade Honors College and I don’t want to have that same experience while attending FIU. I know that being part of the Honors College at FIU will benefit me because of the tight knit community, but it is always good to have friends and communicate with people from all backgrounds. After breaking through my shell, I have learned that I enjoy other people’s company.

For my college experience, my goal was to get involved on campus. I searched for organizations to join by looking online. I had a few organizations in mind, but I could not come to a decision. One day, my friend informed me that she was interested in recruitment for potentially joining a sorority. After she mentioned recruitment, I considered it and I decided to go through recruitment as well. Recruitment was filled with excitement and I had no patience of finding out my future home. After going through recruitment, I have found my home in Alpha Xi Delta. By joining this sorority, it has encouraged me to give back to my community such as raising awareness for autism. Alpha Xi Delta has a philanthropy which we proudly support Autism Speaks (gsu.alphaxidelta.org).

As human beings, we’re all motivated differently and what works for me might not work for you. So instead of trying to convince you to think exactly how I think, I’m going to share some of my story with you - failures and successes alike - of how being a part of different, social communities has been so impactful for my education and some of my early career successes.

"It is only once we leave the familiarity of our own world that we come to an appreciation and understanding of the importance of belonging," that's how the saying goes. But, is it actually true? Can we not define our sense of belonging until we have a longing for it? It is an interesting concept, especially in a world so threatened by images of the other, who threatens the ideology behind our group ideology. In a world that is not our own, can we ever feel like we belong?

Involvement in non academic activities is necessary for me to be engaged and connected as a Cornell student. Being a part of a group outside the classroom and dorm will help me meet students with common interests that I didn’t have the opportunity to explore in high school. This week, I briefly attended ServaPalooza and spent more extensive time at the Involvement Fair. There were many interesting organizations including the environmental club, sustained dialogue, mock trial, latinx student union, and judo club. Instead of feeling pressured to commit to each and every club that interested me slightly, I decided to indiscriminately sign up for emails, and delay major commitments until further

A person's background can shape their attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. For me, growing up around my sisters shaped the way I viewed things and behaved, and likewise; with Aboriginal peoples, their culture has formed their beliefs and views. Before I started Caring for Country, some things I was unaware of include: 1. Diversity 2. Land 3.

What if everyone sat alone for lunch, each company did not interact with other businesses, and everyone lived a life of solitude? During college, learning to interact with others plays a large role in shaping the individual. College life provides many opportunities for a student to become involved with others. This socialization can result in a person gaining many benefits, including preparation for the work world. Social development helps a student to meet new people as well as making a person aware of the diversity on a college campus like Saint Peter’s. Human traits have evolved because of the influence that our surroundings exert upon us. The manner in which a person socializes in his or her

As a first-generation student, I want to ensure that I am immediately diving into a cohesive unit of individuals like myself who are set upon success, friendship, and cooperation. PEAC would provide the opportunity not only to forge a cohort of friends but also help challenge me through academic rigor and a strong network of support to inquire, instill relations with, and aid in my academic success at the University of Colorado Boulder. Furthermore, PEAC would instill a sense of belonging and purpose within a small community of motivated students such as myself in a close-knit community. Being the one who strives (yet) still needs some help bonding with others and establishing friendships. I have found that I succeed best when first I adapt and grow within a small and supportive community that I can rely upon and where I can also provide my support, my opinion, and become immersed in the narratives, ideas, and visions of others like myself. PEAC is an investment in the social and academic good of my future and opportunity to enhance my community and enrich my educational journey along the

A connection to a physical location may present us with the perception that we either belong or not belong however, it is the connections that we form with people in places, memories of previous places and ones response to experiences within places that heightens ones sense of belonging or alienation. The concept of belonging through connections with people, experiences and memories in certain places is explored in the texts Romulus my Father a memoir by Raimond Gaita and Oranges and Sunshine directed by Jim Loach.

The article “Affective Belongings across Geographies” by Koen Leurs, Mariëtte de Haan, and Kevin Leander they argue that YouTube video viewing practices of Moroccan-Dutch youth and how they provide insight into affective belongings between subjects across local and global geographies. It is important to note that they view emotions as social and cultural practices. Using information from triangulation of large-scale surveys, in-depth interviews and the analysis of videos, they map out what emotions may be evoked from the viewers as they watch YouTube videos. It appeared that there were two sided engagements: viewing practices that sustain nostalgic feelings of transnational diaspora belonging and viewing practices that produce feelings of attachment to national and global youth-cultural orientations.

The struggle to belong and find one’s place is significant in the lives of some people.