Importance of community

Benefits of a sense of belonging as students

When people are faced with hardships that may seem almost impossible to overcome, it is extremely common to turn to peers around them who share the same ideologies, interests and goals for guidance and help. This concept of community allows people to feel supported and understood during times of need. Being a part of a community is almost essential for overall life goals and one’s well-being.

The Center for Public Impact defined a community as “a group of people who share an identityforming narrative.” While this mostly pertains to identities such as religion, culture and ethnicity, it can also include identities that are not as physical and may be more emotional such as past experiences that have shaped one’s personality. The purpose of communities is to have groups of people who share a similar experience or story, but the key is that the experience was significant enough that it defines them and drives them to pursue certain goals. An example of community is clubs within the school. While being in a club is not a physical part of someone’s identity, it is still significant enough that they felt as though they belonged to a group of people who have the same interest.

According to Well Being People, having a sense of community also gives us a sense of belonging, even in situations or environments where it seems very minimal. This is due to the fact that communities are a constant reminder to those a part of them that they are not alone and have people who are enduring similar experiences, hardships or feelings. It also allows people to have a place or group to confide in where they otherwise would feel alone. A prime example of this is the Muslim community at FHS. As mentioned earlier in the issue, an Iftar (meal after breaking your fast during Ramadan) was hosted in the school in order to give Muslims a sense of community in a predominantly non-Muslim area. It was a way for Muslims to feel that they belonged, specifically within the school, and that the hardships or situations they were enduring were seen and appreciated. Additionally, as mentioned in a story earlier in the issue, support is essential for the overall success of communities. Police departments throughout America are facing an increased lack of support which has caused rough patches in their work and motivation, emphasizing the fact that community and support within a community is fundamental.

Furthermore, Dunmore attributed the fact that communities cause people to feel as though they are a part of something that is bigger than themselves. Communities can drive people to pursue goals that reach for the stars or cause them to make changes within the world. The Center for Public Impact agrees with this, adding that in order for change to be made, there needs to be a broader and better understanding of the world, in which only communities can provide. This is because communities “shape our understanding of the world” and build our world lenses.

Communities within schools, more specifically, is beyond important as, according to Wilbraham and Monson Academy, many different perspectives are necessary for education. We have one big community within FHS, which consists of all of the students in our school. However, the diversity within that community is what makes education possible and even stronger. It allows for conversations to be had about different perspectives, as mentioned previously; it widens our world views and it contributes to our ability to work with a variety of different people. Therefore, communities are important to find like-minded people who can make you feel seen, heard and understood. However, communities are also important for finding people with common interests that can also challenge your ideologies and broaden your point of view.

Editorial Policy

Tiger Topics Tiger Times is the official monthly newsmagazine of Fishers High School. It is distributed free to approximately 3,700 students and over 300 student personnel. It is designed, written and edited by students. Opinions expressed in the newsmagazine do not necessarily represent those of the adviser, administration or staff. Letters to the adviser may be submitted to A218, and must contain the writer’s phone number for verification. Letters to the editor will not be published anonymously. If there is any incorrect information, corrections will be made in the next issue.

Mission Statement

As the student-run newsmagazine of FHS, Tiger Times is dedicated to providing the staff, students and community of FHS with a timely, entertaining and factual publication once a month by means of public forum. In publishing articles that students enjoy reading, we are furthering both educational experience and the expansion of FHS culture. The staff works to create a sense of unity and awareness and allow the students of FHS to have better insight to the world around them.

Crossword Answers

DOWN:

1. Ruoff Music Center

3. Roundabouts

4. Headless Horseman

6. Agripark

7. Nickleplate Trail

8. Handels

11. FHS v HSE

12. Topgolf

15. Street

ACROSS:

2. Hamilton Town Center

5. IKEA

9. Billericay Park

10. Connor Prarie

13. Geist Reservoir

14. Raising Canes