I have
explored the concept of community before, but I can’t seem to get if off of my mind because
examples of what community is, how it works and what it means to various people
keep popping up everywhere.
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As
my youngest son plows his way through reams of virtual paperwork while working
through the college admission process, community rises up again. His university requires students to become
part of a Learning Community. The school is trying to match up freshmen with similar academic interests, enable them to
live near each other and meld them into support groups.
It
makes a lot of sense. Some students
don’t know how to handle the sudden freedom from parental oversight, but others
can. Some have no clue how to manage
their time or money without mom and dad masterminding the schedule and finances, but others are very
adept at it. Some are very introverted
and don’t know how to reach out to strangers and make friends, but others make
a new friend every day. The students are there to help and support each other. I don't imagine the students in
the communities will all become instant and intimate friends, but this
university is trying to make sure no one feels isolated and alone.
I
don’t know when they initiated Learning Communities, but it sounds
like a wise decision particularly in light of the shooting at Virginia Tech in
2007 and other college shootings that have taken place since then.
If
no student is allowed to be an island, if they are required to meet with their
communities regularly, perhaps troubled young people can be discovered and
helped before another tragedy occurs.
So,
here’s another example of community. I
suspect I will continue to explore the subject as I continue to look for new
communities of my own since my place in the mommy and homeschooling communities
is ending.
And
if he lets me, I’ll also share some of my son’s new experiences of
community as he transitions into a college student.
Interesting concept ...and your thoughts... ;-} (I consider You in the Community of which I wrote this week... ;-} Welcome Aboard!)
ReplyDeleteI am proud to be part of your community, it is a privilege.
DeleteI enjoyed this post. My son is attending college in August, the same college where my daughter currently is. I'm glad my son will be going to the same college as my daughter. He's not as mature as my daughter, so my daughter can be there to guide him.
ReplyDeleteThat is fortunate situation. It certainly takes some kids longer to mature than others, doesn't it?
DeleteGood luck with it all, the seemingly overwhelming admission process as well as the transition in your own life as he enters college and eventually moves away from home. I love the idea of the learning community groups! What's important to students in college is equally important to all of us in life - it's easier if we're connected to others who can offer practical help and emotional support. We attend a weekly home group through our church and have found that the fellowship and discussion time have made that night one of the best of the week! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI agree. The more I study and think about community the more I learn. One constant resonates through it all, we all desire community.
DeleteI'm in college right now, and we kind of have something like that. The RAs (Residential Assistants leaving in the dorm, upperclassmen) were paired up with residents (people living in the dorm). It didn't work well at all. It was a pain. Few people responded to the RAs, and it was hard to form connections. >< We have living communities here, but they're called "Residential College Communities." They don't work as they're supposed to. Sure, you'll find a friend or two, but that's about it. Most residents stay in their rooms and don't show up to events. I was a part of a group (Residential Hall Association) that planned events, but people only came for food and then left. Don't fall for their tricks. It's not as great as it seems. It helps sometimes, but only if your son purposely pursues it.
ReplyDelete