I think this is a powerful although poignant poem. I share it now as thousands of students return to college or begin college. The last couple of years have been largely remote so whilst students are excited to get back to campus in whatever format that might be, I am sure there are many who are also feeling afraid.
In my opinion, fostering a sense of belonging is one of the best things we can do to help anyone fit into a new situation. If we feel like we belong, that we are part of a community, we are strengthened by the support of others. The key point is we all have a part to play in this.
To answer the question in the poem, no-one has the rule book, no-one knows all the right things to say, everyone can only be courageous and do their best to chat and be friendly.
Don’t hold back and wither, don’t shrink into the corner, reach out, make a connection, be seen. Belong.
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Sinead Huskisson 