You Belong

I’ve always felt that I belong at the SOD. Even in days of self-doubt or when my confidence takes a hit, I’ve always had faculty and peers remind me that we were all chosen for a reason. You roll with the punches, even in Cell and Molecular Biology.
My sense of belonging has always meant one thing: being unapologetically myself. Belonging to me, is being able to portray the most raw and authentic version of myself in my thoughts, words, and actions. It rings true when I am able to voice my opinion, even when it may not align with my peers. Belonging is having the luxury of being emotionally vulnerable and transparent, when I need help, and knowing that I’ll always have non-judgmental friends that will support me through it.
The best description of us would be a group of odds and ends. We span a variety of religious beliefs, ages, life experiences, and hobbies. At a glance, we have nothing in common, other than the fact that we never thought that we would be friends. Yet, the dynamic works together seamlessly. Community to me isn’t about finding others who are exactly like me. Community is about stepping out of my comfort zone, playing off of each other’s differences, experiencing culture, and exploring the idiosyncrasies that make my peers uniquely them.

Being one of three guys (in a class of 37), but being the only queer man makes me unique within my own class. I have often felt like I didn’t belong. But something kind of cool that seems to have come from this project: this unwritten camaraderie from some of the people who are a part of it! I’ve said hi to a couple people from the mural that I don’t think I would have otherwise, and that felt special. 

My journey to the SOD is a very special one. It isn’t the most linear, but I look back on my story and appreciate how each experience nourished and prepared me for dental school. Teaching gave me a deep awareness of how we are all bound to our communities and contributing to the wellbeing of one another’s lives is just as impactful as self-care. My time in the classroom made me a passionate civil servant, a trustworthy teammate, and a fiercely loving community member. I intend to take all of those parts of me right into dentistry as well.

I feel like I have found my sense of belonging but I did not always feel this way initially. I was nervous when beginning at the SOD, I was never strong academically due to my neurodivergence and felt intimidated by this institution. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2020 and finally felt heard. I learned ways to accommodate my thought processes which has tremendously affected my performance. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there are challenges faced due to differing personal, cultural, and religious beliefs which can cause uneasiness and can lead to microaggressions. Though it is uneasy, it is important to encourage education and equity for all groups within the SOD to ensure belonging.

Yes, I feel like I belong at the SoD now. It didn't feel this way immediately; it took some time for me to feel truly comfortable, and I'll admit there are still times I am uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to collaborate with others on committees and events here, so it helped me feel a sense of belonging quicker than I anticipated.

Being accepted as you are. And accepting others for who they are. That’s belonging. I had the unique opportunity to be one of the first Co-chairs of our diversity committee called the Multicultural Affairs Committee (MAC). The Dental School was one of the first schools on campus to pioneer diversity work. We're still going strong and committed!

The 'You Belong' campaign is a reminder that diversity is an integral part of our collective strength, and my evolving sense of belonging reflects the inclusivity fostered within the SOD. At times, it felt overwhelming, but being part of this community has made me realize that I belong here just as much as anyone else. My unique journey as a student and mother enriches our community. Through challenges and triumphs, I've found my place, and I am proud to say that I belong here.

This profound sense of belonging in my job setting has had a transformative impact on me. Feeling wholly accepted for my diverse experiences and unique perspectives empowers me to contribute authentically. The rich tapestry of diversity that surrounds me creates an environment where I feel not only accepted but also inspired, enabling me to flourish and offer my best self without reservation.

I have complicated feelings about belonging within an institution. Will an institution ever love you back? Probably not. However, you can build community with individuals, and the relationships I have with people in the SoD have been crucial to my excitement and professional fulfillment during these somewhat stressful years of building a research program. 

The dental school is like a village in the university. I have been here since February 1990 and got to know so many people since then that it feels like home when I walk through the dental school.  

My diverse background has cultivated a range of skills that I bring to dentistry, including clarity of thought, technical precision, effective communication, and a strong work ethic. This blend enables me to approach patient care and problem-solving with a fresh perspective. Rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning and the aspiration to make a meaningful difference, my journey underscores my potential as an asset to the School of Dentistry and the field as a whole.

Absolutely, SOD has been a home away from home. The sense of belonging has only deepened with time. Initially, it was the excitement of learning that drew me in, but as I took on various roles and responsibilities, the school became a constant in my life. The community's support during my transitions, from student to faculty, has cemented my sense of belonging here.

Being a first generation college student and with nobody in my family in the dental field, I found my dental family at the U-M School of Dentistry. Among my cohort alone, we have individuals with so many different hobbies and interests, but we bond over our love for teeth and support each other in our other endeavors outside of the school. At Michigan, I am not only provided with the knowledge from the experts of the field to learn how to advocate advancement in oral health and desire to serve our patients, but also the support from colleagues, faculty, and staff and the community here.