(DEIJ) Belonging

Episode 2 of the Léman Podcast focuses on how diversity of identity—including race, religion, and sexual orientation—shapes a sense of belonging within the school community. Director of DEIJ Lakiya Burrell, student Dylan, and counselor Jillian Wolinsky discuss how belonging is an evolving, felt experience that changes from the "blissful ignorance" of childhood to the intentional search for connection in adulthood. The conversation highlights that at Léman Manhattan, affinity groups and shared interests are vital for helping individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, especially when their identities are not shared by the majority. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that true belonging does not require changing who you are, but rather finding a space where you are authentically accepted and where "unity, real conversation, and shared learning" can occur.The podcast's original theme music was composed by Nathan, a student in Ms. Krumbach's Digital Music class, a violinist in the Juilliard Pre-College Program, and bass singer in our High School Chorus.