Do I belong here?
Sep 05, 2025Do I belong here?
The question every learner asks themselves first, often without words.
If the answer is no, the rest doesn’t matter.
Motivation fades. Curiosity shuts down. Growth stalls.
But when the answer is yes, everything changes.
→ They dare to take risks.
→ They invest effort, even when it’s hard.
→ They celebrate each other’s wins.
This is the power of relatedness.
Relatedness isn’t a “nice to have.”
It’s the fuel of all learning.
👉 A learner who feels part of a community keeps showing up.
👉 A teacher who feels connected to colleagues finds energy to keep trying.
👉 A team that feels related turns feedback into growth.
Think back to your own turning points.
Chances are, they didn’t happen alone. They happened because someone believed in you, stood beside you, or made you feel safe enough to try.
As educators and leaders, we often focus on content, tools, or schedules. But if we want deep learning, we must start with connection.
Because the truth is simple:
No one learns in isolation.
We learn with and through others.
So here’s the reflection for today:
Who are the “Important People” in your learning journey—and how can you be that person for someone else?
