commUNITY

Connection and Belonging: How To Create It and Why We Need It

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Cover photo by Anna Selle on Unsplash

Written by MaCall Smith, Brigham Young University
When was the last time you felt someone really listened to you, or you intentionally listened to someone else? When was the last time you had a deep desire to connect, to be seen, or to be understood? Brené Brown, an accomplished researcher in the field of vulnerability, said, “Connection is why we are here” (Brown, 2010).  She adds that we are “wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When [these] needs are not met, we don’t function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick” (Brown, 2022).
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
The desire to connect and belong are a crucial part of what makes us human. Research shows that feeling connected with others helps to enhance our quality of life (Haslam et al., 2020), positively influences our mental (Santini, et al., 2021) and physical health (Eisenberger & Cole, 2012), and can even promote and stimulate learning in educational settings (Knifsend, 2020).
The question is, how can we create this type of meaningful connection? There is no one right way to create social connection, but here are a few helpful tips to get you started on your path to belonging. 

A-T-T-U-N-E

How often do we ask people “How are you?” never really listening to the response and never expecting them to say anything other than “Good, how are you?” What if instead, when asking this question, we listen intently? By truly listening, we set the stage for meaningful connection. 
It is equally important to show the speaker we are listening. John Gottman, one of the foremost marriage researchers in the world, uses the acronym ATTUNE to describe a healthy way for couples to communicate (Gottman, 1979). ATTUNE stands for: Attend, Turn Toward, Understand Nondefensively listen, and Empathize. This method of communicating is valuable in any type of relationship and helps to create a deeper sense of connection.
Photo by Trung Thanh on Unsplash
Attend- to be mentally present and give your undivided attention
Turn Toward- physically turn towards the person
Understand- ask questions, show genuine interest, and try to understand rather than giving solutions
Nondefensively listen- don’t interrupt or react, just listen
Empathize- let them know you value how they feel even if you have never felt it yourself 
Using these tips while listening fosters connection. As we focus on being both physically and mentally present, we show the speaker that we want to connect with them. As we empathize and physically turn towards others it helps create an environment where the speaker can feel that they belong and are not alone. Listening in this way allows us to get to know someone on a deeper level as they share openly. This cycle leads to further connection and belonging in both the speaker and listener.
Photo by NONRESIDENT on Unsplash

Be Willing to be Vulnerable

After we have created this sense of trust by listening intently to others, it is then important to share about ourselves as well. In my first few months of college, I remember feeling very lonely and that no one knew who I really was. I realized that part of the reason I felt so alone was because of my lack of sharing about myself. No one knew who I was because I was not willing to tell others about myself. 
Opening up allows others to see us more deeply. It is in these moments of vulnerability that connection is truly made. 
Now, this does not have to include telling someone your entire life story the first time you meet them. Rather it can start with little moments when you share about your day, your job, your family, your feelings, and eventually the things that weigh heavy on your heart or make you who you are. Sharing these important aspects of our lives is what helps us to feel connected and helps connect us to others. 
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
As it turns out, it is in small moments like asking someone how they are doing that create connection. As we listen and are willing to be vulnerable, we create a sense of belonging, where both people can be completely comfortable in their own skin. As Brené Brown says, “True belonging… requires us to be vulnerable, get uncomfortable, and learn to be present with people – without sacrificing who we are” (Brown, 2010).
Practice using the ATTUNE acronym in even just one conversation with someone this week. You may be surprised at the difference it makes in your ability to connect!

References

Brown, B. (2010). The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o
Brown, B. (2022). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. Hazelden Publishing.
Eisenberger, N., & Cole, S. (2012). Social neuroscience and health: neurophysiological mechanisms linking social ties with physical health. Nat Neurosci 15, 669–674.  https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3086
Knifsend, C. A. (2020). Intensity of activity involvement and psychosocial well-being among students. Active Learning in Higher Education, 21(2), 116- 127. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787418760324
Gottman, J. M. (1979). A couple’s guide to communication. Research Press.
Santini, Z. I., Pisinger, V. S. C., Nielsen, L., Madsen, K. R., Nelausen, M. K., Koyanagi, A., Koushede, V., Roffey, S., Thygesen, L. C., & Meilstrup, C. (2021). Social disconnectedness, loneliness, and mental health among adolescents in danish high schools: A nationwide cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2021.632906

 

MaCall Smith is from Malad, Idaho and is a Junior studying at Brigham Young University. She is a Family Life: Family Studies Major with plans to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. She is passionate about understanding how to help everyone fulfill their innate human need for connection and belonging.
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commUNITY, Love, Me

Being Grateful – Our Recovery from Selfishness & Suffering

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Cover photo by Ave Calvar on Unsplash 

Written by Dray Salcido
“Our selfishness will condemn us to the worst suffering that we ourselves have invented – loneliness.” – Paulo Coelho
This time of year evokes a more selfless spirit for many of us. Something about the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons make us feel appreciative, or make us think that’s what we should be feeling. This got me curious to compare and understand trends in selfishness over time. There are studies suggesting baby boomers are the most selfish, and others blaming the millennials for our entitled world (Martin & Roberts, 2021). Social theorists may argue selfish behavior is entirely dependent on human rights availability (Nye, 2013). There are myriad explanations.
Regardless, the literature is discrepant. You could argue and find evidence that each decade contains the most heartless people. The truth is selfishness is a human experience irrelevant of time or circumstance. It’s always existed and likely always will. Rather than focus on who or what’s to blame, why not increase our efforts toward altruistic solutions? Perhaps a practice of gratitude? Gratitude is one of our most effective tools to mitigate suffering (Brown, 2011). How is this achieved? The following describes three methods that will increase our gratitude. I suggest we remember them not only the last two months of the year but every day. 
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Be Aware

According to Buddhist philosophy, suffering is the result of selfishness (Salcido, 2020). Christianity would say to seek not our own, but the welfare of others (King James Bible). And even those without a religious or spiritual lens feel frustrated from the selfish behaviors of others. Not only that, but we make ourselves lonely when we focus only on ourselves. Think about it, if you’re the only one on your mind, do you have room to consider others? If you only live for yourself, how can you cultivate relationships?
The fact is, the self is illusive. Why obsess over something as complex and ever changing as our ideas of who we are? I’m not suggesting that we think less of ourselves, but that we think about ourselves less. How can we do this? Be aware. I don’t mean increasing our awareness of who we think we are. Often this just feeds the ego. I mean increasing awareness of our experience. This requires noticing and being curious of the present, without judging it. Let me illustrate the difference. 
Photo by Gary Barnes from Pexels

Be Accepting

Imagine someone stole from you. Your thoughts could be, “I would never do something like that” or “Of course this happened to me, I must have a target on my back.” Whether self deprecating or self inflating, thoughts like these exacerbate our predetermined ideas of the self and bring with them feelings of anger and shame. We are essentially asking ourselves, “What does this experience mean about me?” This questioning comes from a mind that still believes we matter most, we should be invincible, and we should not have to suffer but only feel good. Because this way of thinking is not realistic, another option is to think differently. You may say to yourself, “This is disappointing” or “I wonder if those that stole were desperate?” You’re likely to feel sadness but emotionally recover quicker. Consequently, you may feel peace for letting go. This focus is more in the here and now. It accepts reality and keeps our focus on what is rather than what or who is to blame. To practice acceptance, I suggest learning more about mindfulness (Eberth & Sedlmeier, 2012) and daily meditation. And when we are not cross legged on the floor, how can we take our intentions away from the egoic self and toward compassion for others and our experience? 
Photo by Cathy Mü on Unsplash

Be unAssuming

Much of our selfishness and suffering is not in what we do and say, but in our thinking. The thoughts we choose to focus on have a great impact on our reality. Are many of your thoughts filled with criticism and comparison? These are often created when we attempt to control others or our experience. Managing our minds requires intentional work against cognitive distortions like mind reading. Mind reading is jumping to conclusions. It occurs when you believe you know what another person is thinking. You define what other people’s reasons are for doing what they do. This is done purely out of assumptions and generally with no physical evidence. We fail to acknowledge other possibilities because our thoughts make sense to us, therefore they must be “true” or “valid.”
Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash
We often read minds when we’re afraid and would like to change the outcome (Strohmeier, 2016). Our motive is to change the circumstance merely because we feel uncomfortable. It is selfish to not let others think, do, and be as they’d like. Assuming is self-inflicted anxiety. Now, don’t tell yourself you’re bad for falling into this habit: we all do this! Remember to be aware and accept the moment it for what it is.
Now, how do we repair our distorted thinking? Essentially being unassuming requires humility: a firm acknowledgement that we don’t know everything, nor can we. We burn up a lot of energy believing we need answers in order to feel okay. What if the reverse was true? Perhaps we need to choose to be okay in order to find answers. So, how do we increase our knowing? Try the following:
  • Ask yourself the following questions: “Are there times when this isn’t true?” “What is another way of looking at this?” “Is this thought helpful?” “Would I rather be right, or happy?”
  • Use statements of gratitude as a way to try on new thoughts. For example, I might think, “I’m a bad person” and replace it with, “I’m grateful for when I mess up. It’s great feedback for becoming the person I really want to be!”
Photo by Alex Geerts on Unsplash
The brain is plastic. And because of this, our behavior is too. We are capable of thinking less about ourselves and more of others when we increase awareness, accept reality, and stop assuming. Let’s practice gratitude for our capacity to think more of others and less about ourselves. 
This Week:
1. Be aware. Ask yourself “What am I telling myself?” “What am I choosing to make that mean about me?” “What emotion has arrived as a result of my thinking?” “Where do I feel that in my body?”
2. Be accepting. Speak compassion to yourself for the awareness you’ve gained. Give that same compassion to those around you, and practice giving others the benefit of the doubt. 
3. Be unassuming. Remind yourself “I don’t know what other people are thinking.” Bring your thoughts to the evidence in front of you rather than what you think might be happening.
4. And most importantly: Be grateful! Be grateful for change. Be grateful for the past, present and future. Be grateful for what pain makes possible! And be grateful for the richness of your life. Intentionally choose to see it. 
References
Brown, B., Hernandez, V. R., & Villarreal, Y. (2011). Connections: A 12-session psychoeducational shame resilience curriculum. 
Eberth, J., & Sedlmeier, P. (2012). The effects of mindfulness meditation: A meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 3(3), 174-189.
King James Bible. (2008). Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1769)
Martin, G., & Roberts, S. (2021). Exploring legacies of the baby boomers in the twenty-first century. The Sociological Review, 00380261211006326.
Nye, A. (2013). Feminist theory and the philosophies of man. Routledge. 
Salcido, A. (2020). The Paradox of Attachment. Healthy Humans Project. https://www.healthyhumansproject.com/the-paradox-of-attachment/
Strohmeier, C. W., Rosenfield, B., DiTomasso, R. A., & Ramsay, J. R. (2016). Assessment of the relationship between self-reported cognitive distortions and adult ADHD, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. Psychiatry research, 238, 153-158. 

 

Dray Salcido is from Elkridge, Utah. She is the youngest of seven and enjoys close relationships with her siblings. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Utah Valley University. She works at a law firm and volunteers with various populations. She enjoys researching and writing about the human experience, and hopes to make that her creative, life’s work.
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commUNITY, Reaching Higher

3 Ways to Support Others in their Faith Journeys

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Cover photo by Mindy Sabiston on Unsplash

Written by Allie Barnes

Organized religion is a huge part of many peoples’ lives. Studies have shown that those who value religion and spirituality are more likely to report happiness (Lee & Kawachi, 2019). There is often a narrative that those who leave organized religion will be miserable—and evidence even shows that leaving organized religion can negatively impact one’s mental and physical health (Fortenbury 2014). But what isn’t always expressed is why leaving organized religion impacts one’s health. I don’t think individuals necessarily experience pain from leaving the religion itself: I believe most of this pain is from confronting beliefs that they once believed were true, and too often from the pushback or isolation they receive from the people they once worshipped with.
It is not the leaving of organized religion that seems to cause negative effects—it is often the pain of having to reconstruct a belief system and the negative reactions of others that causes the most strain. We can show love and support to those leaving organized religion by practicing good communication, setting healthy boundaries, and respecting their right to choose their own path.
Photo by Rosie Sun on Unsplash

Communication

Earlier this year I felt inspired to interview individuals who had left organized religion on my podcast, Looks Like Wandering, to better understand their experience and what they needed most from the people around them. I interviewed people who had left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and those who are or were in mixed-faith relationships. There is a tone of love and respect through the whole series, which was very important to me.
Episode 5 featured a roundtable discussion about navigating mixed-faith relationships. During the conversation, LeAndra Baker shared about her husband’s journey away from the LDS Church: “I wish you could see how much he absolutely would love to [have kept believing]—and how much easier his life would be if he could have kept believing the way his family wants him to. …Don’t discredit the work he’s put in to try to find a God that makes sense for him.” 
Photo by Samuel Martins on Unsplash
She continued by passionately sharing the values that she admires most in her husband: “He works really hard to love people exactly the way they are. It’s funny, I joke that he’s more Christlike now that he’s an atheist than he ever was as an active member of the LDS Church! Through his growth and development and faith walk, he has been able to decide what’s important to him, and loving his people is what’s important to him. He’s able to love them without wanting them to show up in a certain way.” By keeping communication open in relationships, we have an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the incredible attributes that our loved ones possess—attributes that aren’t dependent on a certain faith belief.

Boundaries

In episode 2, Nikki Johnson emphasized the importance of communicating healthy boundaries in relationships—”In order to set boundaries, you have to have a conversation about the boundaries,” she said. You may decide to discuss what topics you do not want to engage in with your loved ones. For example, individuals remaining in organized religion may not feel comfortable hearing about why loved ones chose to leave organized religion, while individuals who left organized religion may not feel comfortable having scriptures, sermons, or other religious materials shared with them. Having this conversation will create a safer space for both individuals to continue to strengthen the relationship together. Healthy Humans Project writer Alyssa Carroll previously shared some tips to setting appropriate boundaries in relationships.
Photo by Elina Fairytale from Pexels

Respecting the Right to Choose

One of the most powerful moments of the podcast came in episode 4, when I asked Maddison Weber what she wishes people knew when she left organized religion, and how she wishes others would have responded differently. She boldly stated, “If you’re looking at someone else’s life and thinking ‘I wouldn’t live my life like that,’ maybe take a step back and ask why you can look at their life and say that. What gives you the privilege to say ‘That’s not right for them’?” This is similar to the LDS doctrine of “agency”—the “ability and privilege God gives us to choose and to act for ourselves.” If we claim to believe in the importance of agency, we should show love to those around us, even if their paths look differently than our own. 
Photo by Brennan Martinez on Unsplash
On a personal note, my own religious beliefs have changed over the last couple of years in a way that makes it easier for me to accept and show love to those who have chosen different paths. For example, I don’t necessarily believe that the LDS Church is the only true church—a belief we are taught from youth. I think there are many paths to our Higher Power. Also, while I believe in and love so much of the LDS doctrine, I don’t always agree with how it is taught or enacted. Having these more nuanced views helps me to support others in their own journeys, wherever they lead someone. I echo the sentiment shared in episode 3 by Ezekiel Rudick: “If it’s true and God is the kind, loving, gracious being that They are, then you going through this thing is just you discovering holistically for yourself.”
Photo by Anna Selle on Unsplash
Through healthy communication, setting appropriate boundaries, and supporting others in using their agency, we can help alleviate some of the pain that others feel when they transition away from organized religion. As we do this, we can better emulate our Savior, who preached, “Thou shalt love the Lord why God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39 KJV).
Write out your own beliefs and testimony, exactly as you feel at this moment. Those are yours, and you can feel empowered to claim them as your own. When you feel ready, seek to learn about others’ beliefs, either through conversation, reading, or following those who believe differently than you do on social media. Practice showing respect to their beliefs, even as they differ from your own. You can claim your own beliefs; let them claim theirs. Do this with love and deep respect and reverence for yourself and others.

References

“Agency and Accountability.” Gospel Topics. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/agency-and-accountability?lang=eng
Carroll, A. (2021, July 10). 5 Ways to Practice Setting Healthy Boundaries in Your 20’s. Healthy Humans Project. https://www.healthyhumansproject.com/5-ways-to-practice-setting-healthy-boundaries-in-your-20s/
Games, G. (2021, April 8). Communication Tips for Interfaith Couples. The Gottman Institute Blog. https://www.gottman.com/blog/communication-tips-for-interfaith-couples/
Fortenbury, J. (2014, September). The Health Effects of Leaving Religion: How a loss of faith can manifest itself in the mind and body. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/09/the-health-effects-of-leaving-religion/379651/
Lee, M. A., & Kawachi, I. (2019). The keys to happiness: Associations between personal values regarding core life domains and happiness in South Korea. PloS one, 14(1), e0209821. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209821
Looks Like Wandering Podcast, Season 2 (2021). https://anchor.fm/looks-like-wandering
Strong, M. (2020, February 22). Top 5 Communication Skills for Forming Healthy Relationships. Healthy Humans Project. https://www.healthyhumansproject.com/top-5-communication-skills-for-forming-healthy-relationships/

 

Allie Barnes is a writer, speaker, and a leadership & relationship researcher. Her first book, Not According to Plan, shares her journey through depression, betrayal trauma recovery, developing resilience, and finding joy. Allie has an undergraduate degree in Family Studies from Brigham Young University and is finishing up a graduate degree in Leadership. You can find her on Instagram @lookslikewandering or at allieabarnes.com.
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The American Melting Pot: Maintaining Your Cultural Identity and Supporting Immigrants

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Cover photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash 

Written by McKay Strong
“We’re part of a community. Our strength is our diversity. A shelter from adversity. All are welcome here.” – All Are Welcome Here by Alexandra Penfold
Pioneer Day is a holiday celebrated annually on July 24th in Utah, USA, celebrating the state and surrounding areas settled by pioneers. In recognition of today’s holiday, I wanted to talk about a different kind of pioneer: those who leave their countries and cultures and come to a completely different one. My mom wasn’t born in the United States — in fact, she didn’t move here until she was in her 30’s. She came alone, and although she did already speak the English language, she left everything and essentially everyone she knew behind in South America. I can only imagine how difficult it is being an immigrant to the United States of America, but something that I really appreciate about my mother and how she raised us is that she was able to keep her culture alive in our home.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
I know that this can be a sensitive topic — some people immigrate and want to leave their home behind for whatever reason. They wish to assimilate fully and completely and that is okay. But today, I wanted to share some research on those who have moved to a new place and still want to celebrate and share their culture with those they love.
If you are someone who is working on finding their place within a new culture, here are some thoughts on how you can avoid losing your unique cultural identity:

1. Keep in touch with your loved ones.

Make an effort to keep in touch with both family and friends in your home country. This is a big way to stay connected to your heritage — maintaining relationships with people who are still living in the home you left can help you have a little bit of home where you are.
Photo by Gyan Shahane on Unsplash

2. Make your new home feel like home.

Fill your new home with pictures and family heirlooms. Cook recipes from your home country. Listen to music in your native language. Just because your home is in a new location doesn’t mean your home shouldn’t feel like home! Tangible items around you can help you feel grounded and remind you of your cultural identity.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

3. Find people who share your cultural background.

Whether it means joining a new church or going to city events that recognize your culture, find a way to meet people who know what you know. Chances are, you won’t be the only one who has left your home country! Research even shows that youth programs help adolescents socialize among their cultures (Iturbide et al., 2019). 

4. Celebrate your culture.

Invite friends from your new home to celebrate traditional holidays with you. Participate in multicultural events at your child’s school. Share your culture and be proud of it!
Photo by Chris Boyer on Unsplash
If you’re reading this and live in the same country you were born in, here are a few things you can do to support immigrants in celebrating their native cultures:

1. Never assume.

You may not know why someone left their native country, nor is it your right to know. So don’t assume that you know why they immigrated. Don’t assume their life was a certain way at their old home. And definitely don’t assume you know how they should assimilate best. All you need to do is be there to support them in whatever way they need support.
Photo by mentatdgt from Pexels

2. Ask thoughtful questions.

Moving to a new place can be lonely and when the culture is so incredibly different from what a person or family is used to, it can be terrifying to try and meet new people. If you know someone in your neighborhood, your work, your child’s school, wherever, that is from another country, don’t be afraid to talk to them. I can almost guarantee that they need the love and support you can offer. Invite them to activities and get to know them just as you would any new neighbor. Be sure to take an interest in their culture and customs, because chances are, they would love to talk about them and share them with you. Ask thoughtful questions, and make an effort to get to know the individual/family as well as where they came from. They’re likely homesick, and any way you can make this new place feel like home for them would be greatly appreciated. You may even make a new friend and find a new interest in a culture different from your own!
Photo by Chait Goli from Pexels

3. Avoid appropriation.

Cultural appropriation is the use of elements of a minority’s culture, often in a way that doesn’t respect the element’s original significance or recognize where it came from. As previously mentioned, America is a melting pot, and that’s something to celebrate, but it can cross into cultural appropriation when it turns exploitive. One example of cultural appropriation is sugar skulls used to decorate American homes around Halloween. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not “Mexican Halloween,” it is a celebration of the lives of lost loved ones with roots going back to the Aztecs. The calaveras, or skulls, are displayed alongside pictures of those that have passed on. “They include beautiful flowers and designs to show that death shouldn’t be feared or shown in a morbid light” (Moreno, 2016), and are an important way to demonstrate respect and honor for deceased loved ones. So you can see why using such sacred parts of an ancient tradition to decorate your home in America for Halloween can seem incredibly disrespectful to those who observe Dia de los Muertos. That is cultural appropriation to a “T”. The best way to fight cultural appropriation? Take the time to educate yourself, listen to those who are among the culture these elements belong to, and once you’ve learned, educate others who may be misinformed as well.
Photo by Askar Abayev from Pexels
Something that makes America so great is our diversity. It’s really something to celebrate! People come from all over the world to live in the United States of America, and we’ll miss out if we just expect them to assimilate and don’t get to know about where they came from.
Furthermore, adapting to a new environment doesn’t mean that you have to let go of your old customs. Leaving your home should not have to mean leaving behind who you are – and culture is an important part of that. 
This week, make an effort to learn about a different culture from your own. If you know someone who has recently immigrated to your country, find ways to connect and help them feel welcome.

References

Ayón, C., & Villa, A. Q. (2013). Promoting Mexican immigrant families’ well-being: Learning from parents what is needed to have a strong family. Families in Society, 94(3), 194–202. https://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.4315
Bhavnagri, N., & Kamash, S. (2019). A Mother Promotes Cognitive and Affective Outcomes via Museum Education on Arab American Immigrants’ Culture: A Vygotskian Perspective. School Community Journal, 29, 87-116.
El-Awad, U., Fathi, A., Vasileva, M., Petermann, F., & Reinelt, T. (2021). Acculturation orientations and mental health when facing post-migration stress: Differences between unaccompanied and accompanied male Middle Eastern refugee adolescents, first- and second-generation immigrant and native peers in Germany. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 82, 232-246.
Iturbide, M. I., Gutiérrez, V., Munoz, L., & Raffaelli, M. (2019). “They Learn to Convivir”: Immigrant Latinx Parents’ Perspectives on Cultural Socialization in Organized Youth Activities. Journal of Adolescent Research, 34(3), 235–260. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558418777827
Lindert, A.T., Korzilius, H., Stupar-Rutenfrans, S., & Vijver, F.J. (2021). The role of perceived discrimination, intergroup contact and adoption in acculturation among four Dutch immigrant groups. International Journal of Intercultural Relations.
Moreno, N. (2016, October 24). The History of Dia de los Muertos and Why You Shouldn’t Appropriate it. Wear Your Voice. https://www.wearyourvoicemag.com/history-dia-de-los-muertos-appropriate/. 

 

McKay Strong is a Texas native. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Family Life. McKay works full-time at a local nonprofit, has been married for three years, and recently gave birth to her daughter. She is a proud Ravenclaw and an even prouder cat mom. McKay is passionate about self-love, body positivity, healthy sexuality, and breaking the stigma against mental illnesses. Also, Harry Potter.
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