<div class="fr-view"><p><em>An article from the OU about their &#039;Building Student Belonging Together&#039; event, especially one student&#039;s moving testimony of how the OU has made a huge difference&#8230;</em></p>
<p>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 <em>Building Student Belonging Together</em> event to explore how we create an environment where every student feels they belong.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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<p>Hello, my name is Damon, and I&#039;ve been studying Psychology at The Open University for the past three years. I am also the Student Rep for Access.</p>
<p>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&#039;t for people like me.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-40409 aligncenter fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/20260624_104916-225x300.jpg" alt="A headshot of Damon (OU Psychology student)" width="225" height="300"></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The turning point came when I applied to become a student representative. It felt like a small step, but it changed everything.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.";</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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&rsquo;t yet believe in themselves.</p>
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<p>Damon&#039;s story highlights the difference that connection, encouragement and opportunities to get involved can make to students&#039; 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.</p>
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