An article from the OU about their 'Building Student Belonging Together' event, especially one student's moving testimony of how the OU has made a huge difference…
Feeling connected, valued and supported can play a significant role in student success. Earlier this month, colleagues from across the OU came together for the Building Student Belonging Together event to explore how we create an environment where every student feels they belong.
One of those contributors was Damon, a Psychology student, Student Rep for Access, and intern with the Student Community, Belonging and Mattering Steering Group. Here, he shares how finding a sense of belonging transformed his confidence and his student journey.
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Hello, my name is Damon, and I've been studying Psychology at The Open University for the past three years. I am also the Student Rep for Access.
I left school without A-levels after years of difficult experiences that affected my mental health and confidence. Although I loved learning, I had convinced myself that higher education wasn't for people like me.
The Open University offered a chance to study in a way that worked for me. At first, my goal was simply to complete my degree and stay out of the spotlight.
During my Access course, there were times when I considered giving up. Social clubs and Student Hub Live showed me others struggling just as much. Connecting with other students helped me feel supported and encouraged me to continue.
The turning point came when I applied to become a student representative. It felt like a small step, but it changed everything.
For the first time, I found myself working alongside staff rather than simply learning from them. I was listened to, my views were valued, and I realised that behind the titles and expertise were people who genuinely cared about students. For the first time, I felt that I belonged.
That sense of belonging changed how I saw myself. As I became more involved, my confidence grew. I attended conferences, contributed to research, and found myself in conversations I never imagined having. Each opportunity reinforced a powerful message: "We believe in you."
For me, belonging came from being actively included. Every invitation to get involved, opportunity to contribute, and sign that my voice mattered strengthened my confidence and changed what I believed was possible.
If I could say one thing to OU colleagues, it would be: thank you. Small acts of belief can have a much bigger impact than you realise. It may be the first time someone has truly felt believed in. For students struggling with confidence or a sense of belonging, reach out, as not all students can reach out first, even if they desperately want to.
I have now also taken an internship with the Student Community, Belonging and Mattering Steering Group as belonging has been integral to my journey, and I want to support the OU in building this for other students that don’t yet believe in themselves.
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Damon's story highlights the difference that connection, encouragement and opportunities to get involved can make to students' lives. As the OU continues its work to strengthen student community, belonging and mattering, experiences like his remind us that creating a sense of belonging is something we all contribute to through the roles we play every day.
