“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
– Mother Teresa
Do you know that wonderful feeling that washes over you when you walk into a familiar place? Maybe it’s your local coffee shop where everyone waves and calls you by name when you arrive. Or perhaps it’s your home where you are greeted with a huge hug from a loved one or with snuggles from your precious pet. Or perhaps it’s your workplace where your co-workers smile and say, “We missed you,” after you return from a long vacation.
That feeling is belonging.
Belonging is more than being somewhere that people know you. It’s a feeling that results from being connected with a community.
We are part of an amazing community at Ohio State. One of the things I love about being a Buckeye is that you can go almost anywhere in the world and shout, “O-H!” and someone will respond with an “I-O!” That iconic cheer says more than, “I am a Buckeye fan.” It’s an indication that we are Buckeyes. We are connected. We belong to each other.
During this holiday season, I want you to know that I care about you. You are valued and important. You belong to our Buckeye community, and I am glad you are here.
I wish you the warmest winter holiday greetings, and a year filled with joy and belonging.
Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS
Professor of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Former Dean, College of Medicine 2020-2025