How has community shaped your life? What do you believe?
Post submissions here that match this topic thread in comments.
How has community shaped your life? What do you believe?
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August 1, 2023 at 4:26 pm
Summer F
I believe in world peace. Not the kind of world peace where the entire world is content with each other and every decision made, but the kind of world peace where the entire human race is content with themselves. I only say this because I believe that most people know in their hearts that the world will never truly be “happy” as a whole. There are going to be people who shine through anything, but as we know, there will also be people who take life for granted and inflict acts of hate upon others. The sad truth is, the world will never be perfect, but I believe that through acts of kindness, we can reach my description of world peace.
When one is helping others, or making someone smile or laugh, the feeling that person is putting out reciprocates back onto themselves. By making others happy, we become happy. I believe that is the true meaning of life. I believe that our purpose in this world is to reach a level of inner joy and peace. To reach out to others, and share that emotion of utter happiness. I know from experience that smiling is contagious, laughing is contagious, and most of all, happiness is contagious. During my high school years I discovered that truth. I was part of a community service club, and spent much time volunteering. The lesson I learned throughout this experience was clear as day. People help people. People reach out to people in times of need. Not necessarily because they feel obligated to, but because they want to.
August 2, 2023 at 3:40 am
Realizing Hunger
In the summer of my junior year, I volunteered at an orphanage as a 4th grade Maths teacher. Coming from a large family where I spent most of my time with children. I expected the kids to be disruptive and easily distracted like most kids I knew. However, these kids were nothing like I anticipated. Instead, they ravenously grasped every word of my lecture, while actively raising their hands asking if I could give them homework and classwork. It was as if they were certain that the notes inscribed in their books was the only way out of the orphanage and into a brighter future.
Walking to the orphanage, I witnessed a different form of hunger on the streets of Ethiopia (where I lived). On my way I would see homeless people from all age groups asking pedestrians for spare changes to buy themselves food. Although empathy came easy with the elderly and young children, I couldn’t comprehend why the rest (who were more than capable of working) were also out there. But as I continued to teach at the orphanage, I also got to learn.
Hunger is a stimulant that makes us search for inspiration, knowledge, passion, and a long list of other things people live for. The lack of these motives is what drives most people to actual starvation. Seeing how my students’ strive for education helped me realise that those competent people on the street weren’t at all hungry for food or change. But for hunger itself.
August 2, 2023 at 9:06 pm
Hanson
I believe manners can alter the future of your life because it helps you form positive relationships with others. Manners are expressions of respect, kindness, and consideration for others.
Forming new relationships has helped me achieve specific goals. Treating others well and speaking to them with a respectful tone such as saying, yes sir or yes ma’am, in class helped me form a positive relationship with my teachers. Treating classmates with respect and consideration helps ensure trust and loyalty, while building a positive atmosphere. Even when others are having a bad day I still try to use my manners to communicate with them in a positive way because it can sometimes help them feel more comfortable.
I began working at a grocery store three years ago. I took it upon myself to try to use manners and be polite. For example, greeting each customer and offering them assistance. As well as saying “goodbye” or “Have a good night.” when they were done with their shopping. I noticed that people would respond with courtesy and overall were happy with their experience at the store. Also, building a positive relationship with my coworkers by being respectful and kind has helped with having positive relationships and making friends.
What I say and do matters in life and when I speak and treat others with respect it makes them more likely to be friendly and nice back. In addition, it gives me some information about them as a person. Small gestures of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day and encourage positivity.
August 8, 2023 at 11:39 pm
Mya C
Community Engagement- Volunteering
I believe that volunteering and helping the community is very important. Volunteering anywhere provides a lot of confidence in yourself and boosts your self esteem. It makes you feel like a better person because it shows you are going out of your way to help others. I do a lot for my community whether it’s helping out at the harvest festivals at my church,volunteering at the CFC Inc. Food Pantry, Helping at Gifts to Give, Operation Christmas, Fall River Children’s Aquarium, etc. I have always been the type of person who wants to help others even if I can’t, but I always like to try because it makes me feel good knowing I’m trying because I know that I would impact someone’s life.
When I was in middle school I joined a club called Club Hope, this club did many things whether it was helping out at school or helping the community. Some of the things we did was make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with bags we’d decorate with markers and then leave little handwritten messages, go to local cemeteries and fix up the grass and leave flags for those who served for us, held many clothing, food and toy drives for those who couldn’t afford these supplies, made cards for those living in nursing homes, and most of all spread a bunch of love to those around us.
Participating in community service has changed my life and me as a person and this is why I believe it is very important to at least do one community service act in your life because you will see it makes you feel good because you realize you are helping others.
August 13, 2023 at 10:41 pm
I totally agree with you! Community service has really helped me grow into a better person.
August 15, 2023 at 7:31 pm
I completely agree. I think community service is one of the most important things in a community. I volunteered at a Food Pantry for 3 years and my favorite part of my week was going in and talking to everyone who goes every week. It just shows how beautiful doing a selfless thing really is!
August 22, 2023 at 7:54 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Community service helps to develop your character into a more selfless person.
August 9, 2023 at 4:54 am
I am a first generation immigrant, whom spent a lot of their time during childhood in Africa. The difference that shocked me the most was not quality of life or the food but the sense of community. Single family housing is almost non existent. Most families consisted of grandparents, parents, children and some aunts/ uncles all under 1 roof. Having this many people constantly at your side is a huge comfort because your always surrounded by your support system so whatever your issue not matter how small there is someone there to help you though it.
The idea that when you’re 18 you’re “an adult” and are supposed to be independent was ingrained in my mind due to Eurocentric standards but as I grew older I realized that it wasn’t realistic. I believe that we will forever need that kind of support and the American standards of living strip us of the community that we have built in with our extended families. As well as the isolation leading to more mental health issues because many people don’t have a solid support system to vent to and bounce ideas off of. I will always hold family close to me because my time in Africa taught me that they are my biggest resource and give me a sense of stability.
August 11, 2023 at 8:35 pm
Sam Z:
It is truly important to be able to find your voice, speak up, advocate for yourself, (although many (such as myself) struggle(d) with doing so), listen to others and help them find their own voice. But it is also important to find people who will listen to you. I oftentimes (especially in a school setting) would have benefited from asking questions, asking for clarification, or even asking for help or guidance; although I never did end up asking someone. What has made me asking for help difficult has been my ADD and anxiety. I struggle to put my thoughts into words(verbal or on paper), and the fear of not coming across the way I want to or even being unable to fully get my thoughts across in the right way, often deters me from even trying.
The people around me have helped me greatly with gaining the confidence to just speak; either by providing/ creating a ‘safe space’ or by simply listening. During the online/ remote learning school year, I felt more comfortable with asking for help, which led to asking more questions, which led to a better understanding of things, which led to better grades. Finding the confidence to talk to adults in a school setting got me to advocate for myself; In doing so I was finally able to learn in a way best suited for me. I felt more familiar with teachers/ administrators of whom I helped with creating more resources and a safe space for those who needed it. In truth, finding my voice and confidence lead me to help others find theirs. Which is why I know it is truly important to be able to find people who will listen to you, to find your voice, speak up, advocate for yourself, listen to others and, in turn, help them find their own voice.
August 13, 2023 at 7:20 am
Carter Wilcomb
I believe that everyone should have open minds and not be afraid to acknowledge that they were wrong. Throughout their lives, everyone is going to be wrong about something at some point. When people refuse to accept that they were wrong and change their point of view, they grow hateful and do no good for anyone. People should try to help others by showing them where they are wrong or misguided and help them in changing their ways. Instead of having heated arguments that only serve to make both sides bitter and spiteful, people should have civil discussions with the goal of persuading the other side. Too often I see people being hostile towards those they disagree with, and every single time, neither side changes their viewpoints, they just become more hateful and hostile towards the other side. No one ever gains anything from such heated arguments. A society polarized in such a way cannot hope to better itself. It will only fall further into hostility and conflict. So instead of seeing people with conflicting viewpoints as enemies, we should instead see them as friends in need of guidance. Often times, they only hold certain viewpoints because they have been misinformed. By properly informing them, one can help others change their points of view. This should be done in a friendly way, not condescendingly or angrily. We should strive to help others become better instead of trying to put them down. In doing so, we can work together to fix the issues in society and make the world a better place for everyone.
August 13, 2023 at 6:18 pm
Matthew Branscombe
Volunteering
I believe in people helping each other. It is the core reason I want to become a teacher. This past summer, I was fortunate enough to volunteer for the Essex Art Center in Lawrence, MA as an assistant art teacher. The Essex Art Center is a non-profit organization that gives youth in the Merrimack Valley an opportunity to express their artistic talents professionally and learn new skills through practical learning. The kids are very easy to work with as they are voluntarily there to learn art. It gives me a sense of hope in future generations that creativity will never die out. I have a wonderful time being able to see these kids sell art for hundreds of dollars and even choose to donate half the money. That is something I never could have imagined doing at that age, yet art is now what I do as a career. Being an assistant art teacher has taught me how important it is for teens and preteens to have a creative outlet. I am blessed to be able to help them with their journey doing so. It is also awesome to see people similar to me helping for the same cause. The people I work with are both dedicated and passionate to ensuring the kids are having fun, and sharpening their skills. It is truly remarkable how much generosity is poured into the program, and an honor from my perspective to be part of it.
August 14, 2023 at 1:28 am
My community Cardinal Spellman High school is a Catholic private high school . My first year of high school I always wanted to be as involved as possible which meant to me going on mission trips volunteering and being involved in as many things I could be involved in besides my sports.
My High-school activities meant commitments to me and Helping people in need . If I was asked one word to describe myself I would use selfless or at least I try to be selfless and a big part of what I am involved in at schools main goals are helping people in need because if I have the opportunity or extra resources to help the communities that can’t help themselves why not help . When people ask me what community i am apart of I always says Cardinal Spellman community because it shaped me to be a loving person and one that always wants to help others before myself . It has shaped me to have further goals in life of course to help myself but also others some of the goals Spellman has made me see for myself is of course attending college and finishing college and getting my degree to further more working in my field . where I can provide help to people who need it . why not do something i’ve always love doing for the rest of my life which is helping people
August 14, 2023 at 1:56 pm
I believe that you shouldn’t “judge a book by its cover”, it’s wrong to make assumptions just off of first appearance, in my opinion, you don’t get an idea of how you view something unless you learn more about it, You can assume an entire personality just off of clothes and overall appearance, and while it’s true that an appearance can show you what type of person someone is, it can also mislead you. What’s even worse though, is judging someone because of rumors about them, unless it’s been fully proven, don’t view a person in a certain light just because “this or that”, one of the kids in my class’s reputation was ruined because of rumors, he lost most of his friends. He became an outcast, and even after it was revealed that the rumors were fake, the damage was already done, if people actually took the time to get both sides of the story, this could have been avoided.
Let’s switch it up a bit, judging a book by its cover doesn’t just affect people, it affects basically anything, a good example would be Anime, It gets a bad reputation by people just because of something they might see in social media, that’s a small percentage of what anime actually is, take it from someone who wasn’t the biggest fan myself, I avoided it intentionally because of things I saw online, and it wasn’t until I actually watched an episode did I realize that not all anime is what is shown on media. Anime is now a part of my life; I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Making assumptions just based on initial impressions is not how you should live your life, you should see what something is personally before making a final judgment on something, the idea of “judging a book by its cover” is an inaccurate way of dictating what something is and it’s not the right way to live.
August 14, 2023 at 11:59 pm
I completely agree! I tend to come off as unapproachable by the way I look but I am always open to talking to anyone. We should never judge a book by its cover and should try to put ourselves in others shoes. Some of the worlds billionaires drive broken cars, with run down houses, and thrifted clothes. You never know !
August 15, 2023 at 10:10 pm
I agree with that, people tend to automatically have an opinion about you as soon as you walk into a room and they stick with that opinion until they get to know you.
August 14, 2023 at 11:57 pm
MAraujo
Community Engagement
Ever since I was a little girl I have been interested in engaging with the community. I started out by dancing at nursing homes with my dance team, then went on to teach grammar school children with learning disabilities the art of dance. I am able to engage with the community through my job as a medical assistant as well. Caring for patients has become natural for me. I love conversing with them. Whether it be stories from their past or the reason they came into the office that day. Patients do have bad days and can be emotional when coming in, I always let them express themselves, create a safe environment, and give them time to feel grounded.
Through meeting people in the community I was able to take a lot away. From a young age I knew what it meant to be in someone else’s shoes. Whenever I engage with an individual, especially patients, I try to understand their feelings to give a response that is beneficial to the situation. I love seeing patients smile, or stop shaking their legs from being anxious once they’ve settled in. The way people are so uniquely different is so interesting to me. Getting to know people is very important and a huge part of who I am today. I hope to further engage with the community as I branch off into my career. One day I hope to become a psychologist to support the community regarding mental health matters.
September 6, 2023 at 4:00 am
I completely agree with this. Helping people is one of the best ways to engage in the community. I also like what you said about being in other people’s shoes. Learning that at a young age is great and very helpful in learning compassion.
August 15, 2023 at 12:40 pm
What is your favorite Ben and Jerry’s flavor? Or even maybe a quick game of Where the West Wind Blows? I think that community is one of the most integral parts of having a functional space. Not just a room full of people or acquaintances but true human engagement with one another, a community. I have been a part of communities that are connected and vice versa, and there is an impact on the work you do and the environment you’re in when the connection is lacking. It makes spaces move smoothly when you feel more comfortable with the people around you. It is a beautiful thing. Many people go to a community to find support and refuge, but in an academic setting when there isn’t a community it can make it so much harder for the students to thrive. It is a give-and-get system. You have to give back to your community to get its benefits or else it will fall through. It can go overlooked because it feels so basic, but there needs to be a level of comfort in a classroom for students to feel vulnerable enough to learn. If you don’t know all the people’s names in your class it’s probably not a good sign. This has levels, if your class has 200 people in it that is understandable, but there is a certain feeling that is just uncomfortable to learn in. And it tends to be when there is a lack of community. A class is at its most functional when everyone feels welcomed and comfortable and that is when there is a community.
August 15, 2023 at 10:03 pm
Aaliyah S.
Community engagement: Helping the homeless
I think that community engagement is very important especially when it comes to helping people in need. I really want to emphasize on homelessness. In the city of New Bedford there are coutless homeless people and it is very heartbreaking to see so many people without a place to stay. I think that there needs to be more light shed on the struggles of being homeless and how difficult it is to recover from that. I have heard many stories from people that have either been homeless or is currently homeless and the struggles that they go through is immense and lots of people turn a blind eye to it.
Over the years I have noticed that more people are reaching out for help as well as people helping those in need and while I think that is a great thing I think that we as a community aren’t doing enough. People still disregard homeless people and oftentimes don’t see them as people. This is a big issue because THEY ARE PEOPLE, people who ended up in a funk and are just trying to survive. Just because they are stuck in a difficult situation doesn’t make them any less of a person, they should be treated with respect too.
Recently there has been a rise in migrant families coming into Massachusetts and that can cause a lot of issues for both Massachusetts residents and the migrant families. If more people come in to Massachusetts, the demand for housing will go up and if people can’t afford the higher rent then they will struggle to get food. Also because the cost of paying people will rise because of the higher rent. Jobs will start to lay people off and then people will lose their house or apartment causing more homelessness.
I hope that as a community we take more action to help those in need because we can’t better a nation without the support of others.
August 16, 2023 at 12:14 am
Community is one of the most important factors in a person’s character. My community has been ever changing throughout my life. This has helped me to broaden my experiences. When I was young my community was no more than my family and my next-door neighbor. I grew up with this loving family and my neighborhood best friend. I was protected in this small community so much that I was shy. I did not want to venture out past where I knew it was safe. I was eventually forced outside of this community when my family moved. This move changed my whole community. I lost my friend and was forced to try and make new ones. This is where I started to learn about the strength of someone’s community. I made friends with troublemakers. Naturally this meant I too was getting into trouble. This went on until I realized that it was the people who I was wasting my time with who were dragging me down with them. With this revelation I left them behind to find a community that would help me grow. I found this in sports, scouting, and simply taking a more active role in my town. Being nice to people on the street, helping people whenever I could with big or small tasks. Doing stuff like this opened doors and more importantly opened my eyes to my community’s importance in life. This is why I believe that a good or bad community can completely change someone. People will emulate those around them whether they do so knowingly or not. Keeping your community strong is the best first step in making yourself strong.
August 16, 2023 at 12:45 am
I believe that mental health is very important, many people are quick to judge one and call them lazy but don’t understand it’s not being lazy; it is not being able to do things mentally. Having poor mental health comes with no motivation, feeling judged in your every move, feeling like you’re not doing a good job, and just not having the motivation like others may have. Having good mental health allows for one to move through their day better, communicate with others better, and also actually get things done. It’s important to help others out especially if you notice a change in their mood or behavior. You never know when someone is going through something and wish they had someone to talk to. Next time you’re about to call someone lazy and just judge them, maybe actually try talking to them, see what’s going on.
In addition, many people also love to say, “you’re just overthinking it” or “it’s not that serious”, whatever the situation may be, everyone responds to similar situations differently. I feel like it is not okay to invalidate someone’s feelings towards a situation simply because you don’t agree with how they are responding to it. Everyone cooperates with certain situations differently. To one person it might not affect them at all but to another it can be life changing. Instead ask how you can help, don’t make it worse on them by invalidating their response to a situation.
Be part of the solution not the problem.
August 16, 2023 at 3:57 am
Ishmael G.
The Power of Ethical Commerce: A Belief in Long-Term Relationships
In the realm of finance and business, I am steadfast in my commitment to the core value of ethical and sustainable practices. This value crystallized during a defining moment in my life when I witnessed firsthand the consequences of short-sighted and exploitative business strategies. This experience highlighted the urgent need for a shift towards responsible and compassionate commerce, a belief that continues to guide my daily life.
The turning point came when I encountered a local family-owned business that had flourished for generations due to their genuine care for both customers and employees. Their approach was simple yet profound: prioritize people over profits, and success will naturally follow. Witnessing the vibrant, harmonious ecosystem they had cultivated, I realized the undeniable truth that business is not just about transactions; it’s about relationships.
The moment that etched this belief into my consciousness was when the business owner spoke passionately about how their decisions aimed to ensure the well-being of their community. They provided fair wages, embraced diversity, and supported local initiatives. The impact was palpable – a thriving business with loyal customers and a dedicated team.
This belief in ethical commerce matters because it reflects the fundamental interconnectedness of all facets of life. It reminds us that success must be measured not solely in financial gains, but in the positive ripple effects we create. When businesses prioritize ethics, they foster trust and goodwill, ultimately building a sustainable foundation for growth.
As I navigate the world of finance and business, this belief serves as my guiding star. It fuels my determination to advocate for transparency, fairness, and sustainability. I am resolute in my conviction that by fostering genuine relationships and embracing ethical practices, we can create a business landscape that uplifts individuals, enriches communities, and paves the way for a prosperous and harmonious future.
August 26, 2023 at 1:25 am
Julian Hammond
Engaging in the community is a truly special and important thing to me. I believe it makes us better people and can help us develop vital life skills. I grew up playing football in West Warwick Rhode Island. I have a love for the sport that I believe no one could match. I have had many of coaches. good and bad. Having a lot of coaches made me realize we need better people coaching and teaching the youth. Growing up in a small town, it is hard to find people to help and participate in volunteering around town thus why getting coaches that care for the game is scarce. Around the summer of 2022, my junior year in high school, I thought it might be a good idea to coach football, and get involved in the community. There were some coaching positions open and i decided to help coach a team with a childhood coach of mine.
Coaching youth football was so special to me. It helped me see the game from a different standpoint and in a coach’s eye, other than seeing it in a player’s eye. What was more special than anything was I got to teach the youth and help the community. I helped young kids develop good attitudes and social skills not just for football, but for home as well. It made me happy seeing that 2 hours of my day could turn into something more special than anything. Praises from parents made me feel amazing and helped me become an altogether better person. I am so go grateful to have coached and changed my community in such a special way.
September 6, 2023 at 1:15 am
I agree that the need for good coaches is actually a very important thing. Young athletes will look up to and learn from these coaches. Personally, some of my biggest inspirations have been my coaches throughout the years. The lessons they taught me did not just apply to being an athlete but to my life as a whole. Perserverance, teamwork, and learning to trust my own abilities was all instilled in me from my coaches. I think it’s great that you will now be able to have a massive impact on those young athlete’s character. Possibly more than you know.