Service Creates a Sense of Belonging

I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the community I serve. When I first started, I enjoyed being involved, but I didn’t quite feel like I belonged—not because the community wasn’t welcoming, but because I didn’t yet understand that you can grow to love a community you weren’t originally part of. That changed during a PBS event where the founder of Black Physicians of Utah, who is also my supervisor, served as a panelist. I was there to support my boss and gather content to post after the event, but in the process, I began to see the strength, resilience, and beauty of this community. I also started to notice unexpected connections between their experiences and those of my own community. It was a powerful reminder that service can create a sense of belonging, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to support this community over the past year.  

-Brianna Nevarez