Episode 24: Cultivating A Sense of Belonging (College & The Workplace)

Episode Notes In exclusionary spaces, we fit in and betray ourselves to feel a sense of belonging. In inclusionary spaces, we're safe to be ourselves and feel a sense of belonging by being who we are. In this episode, Eileen Makak and Tanuja Ramchal draw on their experiences in higher education to explore what it means to cultivate a sense of belonging, build authentic relationships, and take responsibility for how we show up in creating spaces where humans feel accepted and are valued for who they are. Here's what's covered: How shame & guilt of not meeting societal/academic markers can lead to feeling like an outsider Why you don't need to prove yourself to be deserving of a sense of belonging & how this shows up in the college setting and workplace How to relate beyond commonalities and what it requires to meet people where they are in spite of differences The limitations and struggles of operating in larger institutions and relating within the confines of policies and rules that feel exclusionary