get into your community

Communities hold an indescribable power. There is something about a group of people, related and not, religious and not, educated and not, that inspires people. In short, we all have something to learn from the people around us and we should utilize the knowledge of others in our own lives. I come from a small town. To me, sometimes it seems too large, but in reality, it is a small area. That being said, I have grown up in the same community my whole life. I know the names of all the kids in my class, most of their parents, and even some of their grandparents. I have relationships with the members of my church as well as members of other local clubs. I was built by the community around me. No matter what I was doing, there were always people there cheering me along. From all my sports to my schoolwork and how my family was doing, I was always assured that there were people who loved and cared for me like I was their own. My neighbors, my parent’s friends, and my friends’ families make up a full cheer squad. This team that cheers me on through my ups and downs has given me motivation in times when I wasn’t sure I would ever be supported. Obviously, not all communities are the same, but why not give the community some of your weight sometimes? Since living in Dickinson, North Dakota for around ten months I have had ample opportunities to get involved with the community. I have helped with several events for the community, including BooHawks, Harvest Festival, and Yuletyme. These events have given me the chance to form new connections with people from Dickinson and reconnect with other people that I had previously known. My favorite event was BooHawks. This was an event held on the DSU Campus the day before Halloween. There were all different groups from the school that set up booths and a fun area for trick-or-treating kids. We had cornhole, other games, and TONS of candy. As pictured above, I was set up at the face painting station where I got to interact with children, as well as their parents, while painting their faces. I had so many fun interactions, a few babysitting offers, and many congratulations on my team's cross-country accomplishments! This is just one of the ways that I have gotten involved in the Dickinson community since I have been here, though I know that it will not be the last. Even in places that you are unfamiliar with, there are always people around you who are willing to care for you, help you out, or even just cheer you on! So, get out into your community! Go to local events and buy from local shops. Go to sports games, watch presentations, and listen to choir concerts. Who knows, maybe you will be someone that somebody else looks to for comfort. Whatever you do, just be there for others. I can guarantee someone else will be there for you as well.