Building Belonging at SLC

Submitted by Dr. Aba Mortley, Program Coordinator, Esthetician program 

At St. Lawrence College, belonging isn’t just a word, it’s an experience we are continually shaping together. Recently, we had the opportunity to participate in a Belonging workshop with Carmen Law and Nathan Utioh, which provided a meaningful way to ground our students and open conversation about what belonging truly means. 

The one-hour session invited students to reflect, create, and share. Using cards, markers, and creativity, they were asked to draw or write what belonging meant to them. The simple act of putting those thoughts on paper sparked powerful discussions. As students explored each other’s reflections, they began to notice the similarities and differences in how people define belonging—how it looks, feels, and grows. Read more about the workshop and how to sign up. 

Some of the students’ takeaways were deeply insightful: 

• “Belonging means feeling seen, accepted, confident, and supported by others.” 
• “They wanted us to understand the importance of being a part of the school community and what belonging truly means.” 
• “Everyone has their own way of belonging and feeling like they belong and all of them are valid and should be heard.” 

What stood out most was the students’ gratitude. Many didn’t realize there was a Belonging program at SLC, and they appreciated being invited to contribute to its vision. The workshop not only fostered reflection but also connection—students felt more seen, valued, and engaged with the college community. 

As we debriefed the activity, themes of trust, inclusivity, and mutual support surfaced again and again. These conversations are helping us build a collective vision of belonging, one that reflects all voices and experiences within SLC. 

My hope is that more faculty and staff will invite Carmen and Nathan into their classrooms. This workshop is an inspiring and practical way to cultivate belonging, strengthen community, and remind us all that being part of SLC means being part of something bigger, something that grows stronger when everyone feels they belong. Faculty members can sign up by completing SLC's Building a Vision for Belonging Workshop – Fill out form or by emailing belonging@sl.on.ca.