The twin concepts of EQUITY & BELONGING have become essential in higher education.

Equity & Belonging are not just two essential concepts in education, but essential concepts that should continue to be enforced in society. If one individual cannot feel welcome, the possibility of them succeeding in a certain area is lowered. Being in an inclusive environment is very important to everyone’s well-being including myself. The twin concepts of equity & belonging allow me to be more comfortable in new places where I go. Knowing that I am a minority, I will not always work in places where people look like me or share the same culture as me. But, knowing that the environment that I am working or learning in is a safe space and welcoming, allows me to share my ideas with others. I have never had the problem of connecting with new people, and the reason for that is because of the energy that the environment holds. Being filled in a room with people who are closed off, not welcoming, and bitter can hurt an individual who is trying to network and learn new things about others socially. Yet being in a room filled with loving people who are eager to listen to your ideas and socialize with you no matter what you look like, can transform a person from being shy on the first day to making new connections and even creating a name for oneself. Jumping into a new place is nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time, but nothing is better than jumping into a new environment that practices the twin concepts of equity & belonging. These concepts allow new students to be their best selves in whatever situation their in. The more they are placed in these positive environments, the

more they will continue to spread it beyond schooling but outside the Johnson & Wales community