As educators in an introductory-level undergraduate course the implementation of Living Stories was presented during an accelerated, 6-week summer semester with one instructor in a college of agriculture and life sciences classroom at a land grant university. Living Stories was continued the following fall semester in two sections of the same introductory-level undergraduate course, each taught by a different instructor, during a 15-week term. The purpose of Living Stories was to create connection, community, and improving student perceptions of mattering among respective cohorts based on observed declines regarding the loss of engagement among cohort’s post-pandemic. Thus, Living Stories was generated through a combination of ideas including elements of the Human Library (2022), student evaluation feedback requesting increased opportunities for cohort connectedness, community-building, and evidence of improvement of mattering perceptions in undergraduate populations. The instructional practices include an engaged learning discussion introducing Living Stories and an explanation of how Living Stories functions. Details on various student engagements include a personal narrative, multiple one-hour student-paired discussions during the course of the semester, and written reflections. This presentation will present participants with strategies for implementing Living Stories in various settings; present evidence of improved connectedness, cohort community, and perceptions of mattering among students; and discuss the instructor and student benefits of Living Stories. Instructor’s observations revealed that Living Stories enhances cohort connectedness, forms meaningful connections through shared activities and experiences, blending student’s in-person and digital environments, and fostering a strong sense of mattering, which dispelled misconceptions about diverse populations, both in and beyond the classroom. Student recommendations of Living Stories strongly encourage its inclusion in future cohorts, specifically entry-level environments, to build meaningful connection and community while highlighting the value of diverse perspectives. Due to its success in previous semesters, the Living Stories initiative will continue in subsequent semesters.