Publication Date

2026

College

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Department

Honors Program

Faculty Mentor

Heather Finch

Presentation Type

Article

Summary

The table brings people together. Whether it is for a meal or conversation it is an essential part of our society that is slowly losing its value. My mission this semester was to gather people to have difficult conversation through the commonalities that we share, and to serve populations who desperately need connection.

We hosted an event for students to come and learn about the importance of hearing the voices of others and sharing their own for the sake of justice on our campus and our nation. Facilitators led a table of 6-12 students in conversation that built from their favorite memories about food from childhood to leading students into more vulnerable questions to discuss. Many students who attended found the dinner worthwhile and formational, and they said they would want to make the event a monthly occurrence or a club on campus. This shows that students are hungry for a space where they can be honest and build bridges with the people around them.

Secondly, I took part of a club that seeks to educate students about the foster care system and activate them to be agents for change for the local foster care families. Belmont Tables provides TN Key Foster Care Training for students who desire to provide childcare for foster care families. They also allow students to participate in table teams, which provide weekly meals for foster care families across the city. This was a formational and life-changing experience that I recommend to all college students.

Both of these organizations seek to promote connection. Together, we can promote change by creating spaces for bridges to be built and voices to be heard.

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