First Name: Paige
Hometown: Pea Ridge, Arkansas

I’ve felt Belonging at the University of Arkansas since I found UARK Gaming and UARK Esports. It first started with meeting a few people within UARK Esports and beginning to play League of Legends competitively. Some of us eventually competed and won a tournament here in Fayetteville at The Grid Esports.

I wasn’t sure how it would go, but my early experiences exceeded my expectations. Being a girl who plays video games, I have faced a lot of aversion online. Instead of being judged solely by my skills, I am typically met with sexism and harassment. My experience with the university’s gaming club wasn’t like that at all. I was immediately accepted and have never felt like I didn’t belong.

Now, I am the president of both UARK Gaming and UARK Esports. I oversee all our esports teams, lead meetings, and get to plan events for the clubs. The other members of my leadership team are exceptional and I enjoy working with them daily.

I hope I'll always be close with the friends I’ve made along the way. They are there for me when I want to run late night games or just to have someone to talk to. I’m extremely thankful for my experiences and know that they are helping to shape my future career in gaming and esports.

First Name: Aurora
Hometown: Lincoln, Arkansas

Belonging looks like students getting together for on campus events and games. I felt I belonged at the U of A when I went to parents weekend!

First Name: Shane
Hometown: Fayetteville, Akansas

When I think of belonging on this campus, the number of anecdotes I have certainly outweighs all the other stories. While I did initially struggle finding my place here as a freshman, that quickly changed, and I am now working on my 4^th degree from the U of A. When people ask where I am from, I usually say “right here,” referring to campus. With the help of some amazing mentors, I have truly found a home that I haven’t wanted to leave. People may ask me why I have chosen to stay here for allmy degrees and the only answer I have is, “when you’ve had a journey like mine, how could you feel the need to go anywhere else.” From the inspirational vibes in my Graduate Assistantship in Student Affairs to the family like atmosphere created by the department and degree program I am in, I am surrounded by people who champion for me every single day and continue to go above and beyond to have my back and let me know how much they care, even when they don’t realize they are doing so. To those people who have been a part of my journey and are reading this, I hope you know how greatly you have influenced my life and my intentions to be the best me that I possibly can be. Thank you.

First Name: Abby
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Belonging is where you feel like you matter, whether that is in your major, friend group, or if you work on campus. I feel like the feeling of belonging can only be found at a safe, known place. For me, the union is a great example. When you walk in, you feel like a Razorback, and you feel seen. Belonging looks like inclusivity at the U of A, where one can say "I feel like I belong".

I work for the University in Student Affairs at UA Productions, and my team does an amazing job at being inclusive. I am not worried to come to them with problems or fears, because I know they are not quick to judge. I can walk in my office and feel like I belong because I am unconditionally cared for, no matter my race, sexuality, or religion. That is seen through encouraging stickers on doors, kind emails, and the way I am treated.

First Name: Guadalupe
Hometown: Springdale, Akansas

I felt like I belonged when there were activities for Hispanic heritage month.

First Name: James Hometown: Sylvan Hills, Arkansas

Being a part of the community we call the University of Arkansas is belonging. Where all members feel free to participate and express themselves as individuals without judgement and to be heard by others. I feel this every time, I attend and participate Departmental Meetings. I am able to express myself freely, be heard by others and notjudged by my comments. I truly feel I am a part of the team.

First Name: Gray
Hometown: Temecula, California

Belonging feels like happy people having spirited, respectful conversations, and people of all different colors and ideologies smiling and being respectful of others. I really felt that sense of Belonging when I was standing in line to get a Beat Texas t-shirt during the 150 Years celebration.

First Name: Robert
Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Belonging on the University of Arkansas campus is a sense of welcomed purpose. It is a feeling that you are valued and welcomed here as a holistic person. That there are things here "for" you -things to do, to experience, to see, to enjoy. And that others here also share in that same sense alongside you. I feel it especially when working home football games with other Student Affairs colleagues.

First Name: Morgan
Hometown: Wales, United Kingdom

This semester, I joined the SAAC committee here at the University of Arkansas and it has really made me feel a sense of belonging. Being part of this committee has made me feel so involved amongst other student athletes and makes me feel like I am able to have a say and have my voice heard. It has also helped me make connections with other athletes that are a part of other sporting teams such as golf and swimming that I believe I will be friends with for a very long time. Everyone within this committee has the same goal which is improving student athletes’ time here at the University, so it is very easy to feel included. Being an international student, I feel like building these connections with people is very important because when I first came here, I didn’t really know many people so now having more connections, it makes me feel more at home and like I belong here.

First Name: Emily
Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Belonging is being able to make connections with people who share similar interests and goals with you. I feel it when I get to discuss course material with other students who have the same interests as me. Also, when kind people approach me or just say hello when passing by.

First Name: Mariya
Hometown: Sindh, Pakistan

I ALWAYS feel like I belong at the Multicultural Center! I love how everyone there is so supportive!!

First Name: Alex
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri

Belonging here is having a community of people you can trust, be open with, feel respect, and share the complexities of life, work, school, and everything in between, and whom you trust, allow to be open, and share respect towards. Before I was reporting to my current manager, I shared my vision and desire for an ideal role at the U of A with her through an organic conversation. She validated that perspective and shared that she desired to have a role such as that within her team, and began to inquiring for opportunities to bring me into the fold so I could learn and grow by assisting in her team in a volunteer capacity. Eventually an opportunity arose for me to apply for a position, and I was grateful to have already felt included and trusted to be a part of the team as a volunteer, and then have a chance to join officially.

First Name: Stetson
Hometown: Huntsville, Arkansas

Coming from a small town, I was not exposed to diverse people. I knew I was part of the LGBTQ+ community and felt so alone for most of my life. When I got a job on campus, many of my coworkers shared the experience and made me feel less alone. It was such a relief to finally feel accepted.

First Name: Malayah
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas

I felt a sense of belonging at U of A during the cardinal nights night of wellness. Every game that I played, I felt included whether I won or not. It felt good to have others like me, feeling the stress of finals, get one night to let go and have fun.

First Name: Taylor
Fletcher, North Carolina

Belonging is feeling like you have a place on this campus, in essence feeling welcomed and at home. As a graduate assistant for UREC, the staff as a whole has welcomed me into the U of A community and made me feel like I belong. With how we do everything, from training in the summer of 2020 over Zoom to now, I have always felt like I had a home and community here!

First Name: JL
Hometown: New Boston, Texas

When I returned to the University in 2007 as a non-traditional undergraduate to complete my degree, I felt a strong sense of belonging. Due to academic mistakes from my previous enrollment at the University, I had to work with my financial aid counselor to petition to receive financial aid. My counselor was very helpful and met with me several times throughout the process. She helped me draft my letter for the financial aid committee to give me the best chance for success. I received a positive outcome on my appeal and was awarded financial aid. I felt like I belonged here because of this counselor’s willingness to work with me to help me be successful at the University. Despite my previous mistakes, this counselor dedicated her time to me to help me, and that was not lost on me. This counselor played a role in my success at the University and is one reason why I feel like I belong.

First Name: Lori
Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas & Boulder, Colorado

First as a student and now as staff, I have many wonderful memories that create my sense of belonging. Old Main inspires many that are very dear to my heart. I remember studying under the huge maple trees on Old Main’slawn, admiring the beauty and feeling a sense of serenity. I especially love the vibrant yellow and orange colors of the autumn leaves against a blue sky when there is a cool bite to the air. No matter the time that has passed, I can easily see myself in today’s students, carrying their backpacks and walking on the names etched in Senior Walk. My name is not too far from Old Main. I even had some wedding photos taken at Old Main as it was on campus that I met my best friend. I taught my first University Perspective class in Old Main, and a few years later was able to teach my daughter’s UP class in Old Main. Not only is Old Main the symbol of our campus, but it represents my feelings of belonging.

First Name: Ana
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Belonging is seeing yourself represented (in the students, faculty, staff, administrators, pictures, photos, invited speakers, music, theater, health care providers), being recognized for your accomplishments and contributions, having a circle of friends, being invited to lunch or coffee, running into people who greet you by name.

Every time someone tells me they noticed something I did (a paper I published, a talk I gave, a case I supervised, a student I mentored), ESPECIALLY if I didn't realize that person had noticed, it makes me feel super included. For instance, I was chatting with someone at the Honors College, when we had a question about a student of mine who needed to defend her thesis and the person at the Honors College said she was familiar with my mentorship (especially with PATH students and other students of color) and had referred a few students to me during that week's orientation. The knowledge that someone notices your good work and tells others (behind your back) is a critical way that I have felt included, seen, recognized, and valued.

First Name: Kevin
Hometown: Jonesboro, Arkansas

Belonging comes in a variety of ways. Some is forced (you 'belong' to a class because you enrolled in it); some is more organic (you find a peer group with like interests). A sense of 'belonging' will be different for each person. For a number of years, I 'recruited' first-year freshmen to consider civil engineering as a major. Our sessions - which featured a lot of interaction, laughter, and sharing ideas - really promoted the concept that we were all here together and present in the moment. I always felt a great sense of Belonging during those times.

First Name: Ruchika
Hometown: Bentonville, Arkansas

Belonging is having an inclusive community on campus all around. Being a part of clubs, groups, and/or organizations that share the same interests. I really felt that sense of belonging participating at Dandiya night & helping with international students’ orientation as a Cross Cultural Mentor.

First Name: Mike
Hometown: Texarkana, Texas

Shortly after deciding to pursue a career in higher education and outdoor recreation, I was leading arock climbing trip in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma. While assisting a new student climber with belay, the student made a critical safety error that could have resulted in a significant injury. The injury was avoided because of the back-up assistant I was providing. After decompressing from the stress of the event, the student was able to regain composure and continue with a safe belay. Weeks later, the student brought me this buffalo as a token of appreciation for my assistance, trust, patience, and encouragement with them through a stressful but enlightening experience. The significance of the buffalo is that native bison graze the protected lands within the Wichita Mountains, which the student climber connected with during the climbing trip. This buffalo reminds me of the countless students that have made me feel a sense of purpose asstaff at the University of Arkansas. I am still leading climbing trips with college students 19 years later.

First Name: Amanda
Hometown: Malaysia

I felt a great sense of belonging when I first got here and everyone around me, staff, the students, faculty, everyone was so welcoming, and would help assist me in looking for classes, my dorm, and just the community built WOW! What an amazing journey!

First Name: Zayna
Hometown: Palestine

I feel the greatest sense of belonging at the U of A when I see the Palestinian flag hanging in the flag room, walking into the MC and being surrounded by faces, nationalities, and ethnicities that resemble or share certain experiences with mine, seeing organizations like the Arab Student Association thrive on campus.