Belonging by Rianna Clay-Valdez
Developing sense of self, in a state of constant change.
Where do I belong?
My path is not the same as yours, my path was made of twigs and stones, flowers and thorns, bushes and trees, my path was not always safe, so they helped clear it for me.
The greatest sense of belonging, held in their hearts for me.
This is our legacy.
Para mis abuelos, who didn’t belong, but they achieved their degrees.
To my mom, showing me the power of love and consistency, graduating with her master’s from my university.
To my dad, for his courage to keep going, and achieving a degree in computer science.
A mi hermana, a WMU biomedical science graduate of 2020, carrying the torch for my generation.
I am coming,
My greatest sense of belonging at WMU has been my part in building our legacy.
We once didn’t belong and created belonging in legacy.
I encourage you to take your place in yours.