Oct. 5, 2023
When initially considering places that I belonged, I struggled. I immediately began thinking of my hometown, and whether or not I belong there. Ultimately, I felt that it’s impossible for that to be a place I belong, as it’s the only place I’ve ever known. I’ve never moved houses, stayed in my local schools, and grew up in the same community. While I likely do belong there, I didn’t do anything intentional to welcome myself into that space.
One that I did bring myself to is music, and more specifically the radio. It’s somewhere that I’ve strived to be for a while, and could not be happier being a part of.
With more thought about belonging, I couldn’t help but think about a concert experience I had through WMUH (Muhlenberg’s radio station) just days before the assignment.
I took this video at the concert, solely for social media purposes (as the Marketing Director of the club). What I found, however, is that the sense of belonging was more linked to the surrounding people than it was the activity, which I hope was reflected.
I referenced that music was “always in the background” because it’s a part of my life that, though never my main priority, has always been there, which I have greatly appreciated. Finding people that share that sentiment was one of the greatest things that came from being in WMUH.
I chose to include this video because not only can we hear the music being played, but it also shows a large group of people dancing and having fun, which is one of the main criteria for me for belonging– joy. It was such an incredible feeling to be amongst this group, and I can’t wait for more opportunities.
I’ve always struggled to comprehend belonging, but through the help of others, especially in comfortable spaces containing music, I’ve found places to truly feel appreciated, welcomed, and that I belong.
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