BYU student Greg Hooke talks about cultivating belonging in the College of Life Sciences on the newest episode of the Y Health Podcast.
Greg Hooke, a current senior at BYU, is studying to become a neurologist. While studying for his MCAT, he also leads the Belonging Council for the College of Life Sciences.
At a school with more than 35,000 students, it’s easy for students to feel isolated or alone for a myriad of reasons, whether it’s gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
As part of the Belonging Council for the College of Life Sciences, Hooke wants everyone to feel included in the college, as he mentions on his episode of the Y Health podcast.
Hooke said, “Not belonging is an occurrence pretty much every single one of us has. It's so important that belonging is targeted at every one of us.”
This concerted effort by Hooke and other members of the Belonging Council has led to statistical rises in the number of students who feel accepted in the College of Life Sciences.
Hooke mentions, “On recent college‑wide surveys, we've seen that our feelings of belonging among students across the College of Life Sciences has increased 4%… it's at 86% right now, which is awesome. Let's get it to a hundred, though.”
Through this council, Hooke has helped create a community in the College of Life Sciences of reaching out to people and lifting up those around you—whether they are in your classes or someone you know in the halls.
Hooke emphasizes the importance for students to help build up the community around them, especially as they enter a service‑oriented field.
“How are we preparing to live a life of service if we’re not serving… right here and now?”
To create a culture of belonging, Hooke mentions how anyone can make an incredible difference within the school right now.
Hooke said, “When you really look outside of yourself you’re like hey I’m gonna make a difference for someone else, then boom. You feel like you have a purpose.”
Hooke notes that when we turn our attention outwards rather than focusing solely on ourselves, we are able to do incredible things and make our school that much more inclusive.
Hooke said, “There are people all around us, and we all share the common need to belong. So just be a little more intentional.”
Hooke continues to help lead the Council of Belonging for Life Sciences as his goal remains to have everyone feel included the first moment that they step foot on campus.
You can listen to more of Hooke’s story on the latest episode of the Y Health podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1861280/episodes/17901196