How do you know when you belong?

Sometimes it takes one moment to realise you're in the right place. In this activity you'll hear from three people who describe the moment their work stopped feeling like a dream and started feeling real.

This activity is designed to be flexible and can be used as follows:

  • During a lesson - 30 minutes. Students work in pairs and then share their reflections with the rest of the class.
  • During tutor time - 20 minutes. Students watch the videos independently and then discuss the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the videos on their own and complete the reflections at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • PSHE Association KS3 codes H1, H2, L9
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes H2, L10
  • Gatsby Benchmark 5

1. Before you start

Think about the following:

  • Have you ever had a moment where you suddenly felt like you were in the right place - in a team, a class, an activity, a group of friends? What made it click?

If you're working with a partner or team, share and compare your thoughts before continuing.

2. Watch the videos

Watch the following section for each video:

  • What's a moment in your career you'll never forget?
v0020 square

Caroline Wilson - Creative Producer

Caroline is a creative producer working in film and television in London. She spent years as a self-starter - community groups, work experience, night shifts to pay the bills - before a single meeting changed how she saw herself.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What happened during Caroline's work experience placement that she didn't expect?
  • What does she say it meant to finally feel "seen"?
v0047 square

Ethan Lloyd - Camera Operator

Ethan is a camera operator who films live motorsport around the world. He grew up in the northeast of England and never expected to leave. His unforgettable moment happened on the set of a live TV show he'd watched as a child.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What does Ethan describe feeling when the on-air lights went red?
  • What realisation did he have in that moment?
v0053 square

Aditi Abraham - Jewellery & Textile Designer

Aditi is the founder of a jewellery brand in India. She designed, manufactured, and launched 200 pieces in two weeks for her first collection. Her unforgettable moment came twice - once at her launch, and once much later when she searched for herself online.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What happened on the day Aditi launched her first collection?
  • What did she find when she saw her brand on Google - and why did it matter so much?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection for each video based on the following:

  • Which person's moment do you connect with most - and what does that tell you about what "belonging" means to you?

Next, compare what you noticed across all three videos and discuss with your partner or group:

  • Caroline's moment was about being seen by someone she admired. Ethan's was about being part of something he'd watched as a child. Aditi's was about being recognised by the wider world. What do these three different moments have in common - and how are they different?
  • All three people had been working hard for a long time before their moment arrived. Caroline had been a self-starter for nearly a decade. Ethan had been grinding through trainee roles. Aditi had spent years building her brand. Do you think these moments would have felt the same if they'd come easily?
  • Do you think everyone needs a moment like this to feel confident in what they're doing - or can confidence come from somewhere else? What gives you the feeling that you're on the right track?