Bishop Carroll High School
Wichita, Kansas
Teacher: Angie Etheredge  

Too Much Community?
by Anna Gunther
9th grade

As one of my friends wisely stated, “There is too much community in our community in our community to write about.”  Imagine a nesting cup in which inside each cup taken apart there is another having the exact qualities of the first, but smaller.  Finally one reaches a cup that is too tiny to go further.  When one lines them up, they all look identical except for size.  This is one way to visualize community.  Inside each different community is another one, having the same qualities and aspects, but on a different level.  I believe community goes beyond the dictionary definition of “a group of people living in the same locality and under the same government” to a people who can share experiences together.  I feel community when I am in a group that is united in a common purpose.  It is a life-changing experience when one feels genuine community and true union between diverse people.  Various examples of communities are the world, the national and local communities, my nuclear family, my extended family and my ancestors, my close friends, and my parish CYO.  They all share many aspects of coming together, but on different levels.                                                                  

The world community is most prominent in the news.  Although it may seem I am not connected to anything, I actually am.  World community is by far the most diverse community one could belong to, and it is important to make an effort to somehow get involved.  I feel more connected to the world community when I know someone in another country or know more about the place in which an event is taking place.  In sixth grade, an exchange student visited my class for a while.  This made me realize that the world is a much larger place than I had previously thought, and people in other places are like us.  They have similar feelings and are part of the world community.  Two priests I know have their roots in Africa.  One recently visited his family in Burma, and he made a slideshow of his trip.  Seeing the conditions made me realize that foreigners are not just people who do not matter because I do not know them.  We are united in the world community.

The national and local communities are ones that I personally take for granted. I do not think often enough how lucky I am to live in the United States and in Wichita, Kansas.  I bet, despite disagreements and political arguments, that 99% of Americans would agree this is the best country in the world.  Although I may not express it much, I do like living in Wichita.  It is a wonderful, friendly community.  There is always something interesting happing.  The billboard that says “Wichita. More Everything.” always comes to my mind when discussing local community.

My relationship with my nuclear family is very strong, for which I am extremely thankful.  I know if it ever comes down to the wire, my brothers will always stand up for them.  I frequently complain and gripe about them, but I really do love them.  I also like spending time with my mom.  I like having her around when she volunteers at activities such as school functions.  My dad is one of the most generous people I know.  I would not trade him for the world.  I cannot imagine what one would do without a good family relationship.  I would be lost.   I am, also, able to see my extended family quite a bit, for which I am fortunate.  I usually spend holidays with them.  I am lucky to have two sets of loving, healthy grandparents.  They are a solid presence in my life, and I cannot imagine it without them.  I recently found out more information about my ancestors, and I surprised myself by how much I enjoyed it.  It is truly an interesting experience to discover one’s history.   I do not know much yet, but I hope to find out more and to have a connection to my ancestors.

My friends are the best support group I could want.  A large aspect that keeps communities united is the strong underlying friendships beneath the surface.  The roots of friendships are like the roots of a gigantic tree, helping it to remain braced and steady.  I am really close to my friends and can share anything with them.  I actually think they are helping me live longer because we laugh so hard everyday.  One of my favorite things is that any one of my friends and I can start an inside joke, refer to it all the time, but no one else has any clue what we are talking about.  My friends are awesome, and it has come to a point where we can finish each other’s sentences and know what another is talking about without ever saying anything.  I honestly do not know what I would do without close friends.  There are certain things a person can only share with friends.  Parents are great, but the line must be drawn somewhere.  I cannot imagine what life would be like without close friends.  The world would be a lonely place indeed.   Friends are a necessity to life.

My parish CYO is an amazing community, and it is one of my favorites.  We gather for faith, prayers, food, fun, and an update on anything that is happening.  It is wonderful to see so many high school students taking time out of their busy schedules to spend time with God.  We are increasingly becoming a closer community.  CYO can always help me cheer up.

In conclusion, each of these communities multiplies what we contribute to it.  We belong to each one in a different way and on a different level, but all are equally important in our lives.  One community would not be complete without the others.  They go hand-in-hand, like the many branches and roots of an enormous tree.  When put together they form a beautiful, intricate, and whole creation.

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