The continuous work of being in community

As a sophomore at Mount Holyoke College, one of the most meaningful experiences of my time here has been participating in the Building On Our Momentum (BOOM!) Learning Symposium. In my first year, being a student worker at the experience opened my eyes to the depth of conversation and collaboration that becomes possible when a community comes together to explore social issues. This year, stepping into the role of BOOM! program lead, I have the opportunity to help plan and facilitate the symposium, allowing me to contribute to creating a space where students can share perspectives, engage in genuine dialogue and learn from one another.

When I joined BOOM! as a first-year student, I was not sure whether I could contribute meaningfully. I questioned whether my voice would matter or whether I could help shape conversations in a productive way. What I discovered was that BOOM! is built on the premise that every perspective has value. I learnt that BOOM! does not require us as students to have answers to all the problems in the world; it simply asks us to show up, engage honestly and remain open as a community. That realization reassured and energized me, and it set the tone for how I approached my involvement going forward.

This year has added considerably to my BOOM! experience, as I am now participating in the planning process. Supporting peers as they develop and present their ideas, as well as contributing my own, has been genuinely rewarding. Watching individual efforts come together to facilitate encouragement, reflection, connection and dialogue across campus has reinforced for me how much collaboration amongst peers matters. I have learned that leadership is not primarily about organizing logistics; rather, it is about helping others feel empowered to use their voices and ensuring that every member of the community has an opportunity to participate.

What I find most meaningful about BOOM! is its emphasis on community. BOOM! is not simply an event. It is a space where students feel safe, seen and heard and where conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion are both welcomed and sustained. Working on BOOM! has strengthened my listening, communication and facilitation skills. It has also challenged me to think more carefully about what it takes to build inclusive environments: not just a single gesture, but an ongoing process that requires intention, attention and a willingness to stand corrected. 

My exposure to different perspectives has also been formative. Last year’s symposium brought together students, faculty, staff and speakers to explore ideas and experiences that were new to me, and those conversations pushed me to examine my assumptions more critically. They reminded me that engaging with what may seem to be controversial topics is not a disruption of the community; it is how the community grows. This year, I am excited to help carry that tradition forward and to create the conditions for conversations that are both honest and constructive.

Participating in BOOM! has encouraged me to reflect more broadly on my role within the Mount Holyoke community. Creating inclusive spaces is not something that happens once and stays in place. It is continuous work that asks each of us to remain curious, accountable and committed, even when the process is slow or uncomfortable. Being a BOOM! program lead has made that clearer to me than anything else in my time here.

BOOM! is about more than just having the day off from classes. It is about how we can help sustain a culture in which curiosity and engagement are encouraged while making sure everyone feels included. I am really grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that culture and for everything this experience has taught me about collaboration, community and what it means to show up for the people around you.