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At Life I Love School, we believe that every young girl deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. This week, in Lesson 2 of our 8-Week Wellness Program, we focused on the theme of belonging - a concept that sits at the heart of our mission and one that is deeply personal to me.
The lesson explored how creating welcoming spaces can ease stress and create a sense of safety and connection. We discussed the science behind belonging and discovered that feeling excluded triggers the same areas of the brain as physical pain. This powerful insight highlights that belonging is not just an emotional desire, but a basic human need that impacts our well-being. The girls were engaged and reflective, talking about the ways they can make others feel included, whether in the classroom or in their everyday lives.
One of the most beautiful moments was watching the girls connect with their personal values. We helped them explore how being clear on their values helps guide wise decision-making. Every girl is unique, and by celebrating those differences, they create spaces where each other’s strengths shine.
Our call and response was introduced yesterday to encompass the lesson’s theme: All Different, All Beautiful!
To cap off the lesson, the girls made values bracelets, choosing their top value and adding it to their bracelet as a daily reminder of what matters most. Whether it was creativity, kindness, or joy, these values will help them navigate challenges while staying true to themselves.
As I reflect on this lesson, I can’t help but see a parallel between what the girls are learning and my own journey. For a long time, I never truly felt like I belonged in the workplace. Despite trying to fit in, something always felt off. There was always this pull in my heart toward something more, but I couldn’t quite articulate what it was. Now, looking back, I realize it was God calling me to step into my purpose - a purpose that I am so incredibly grateful to have found.
Launching Life I Love School and building a place where Black and Brown girls feel seen, heard, and loved is not just a job for me - it’s my calling. For the second time in my life (the first time was as a 4th grade teacher), I feel aligned with the work I am doing, and it brings me such joy and fulfillment. I love what I’m doing, and more than that, I feel like I am finally doing what I was always meant to do. Creating spaces of belonging, not only for the girls we serve but for the future staff, the current board of women, and for anyone who is part of this journey, is my mission.
Belonging is at the core of who we are as humans, and I believe that when we create spaces where people can truly be themselves, amazing things happen. Just as these girls are discovering the power of belonging, I, too, am walking in that truth. I am committed to building a national organization where everyone, whether a student, staff member, or partner, feels that same sense of connection and purpose.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we are not only creating spaces of belonging for our students but for everyone who believes in this mission. Please reach out to me directly if you’d like to learn more and potentially partner.
With love,
Chas
Executive Director, Life I Love School