Iola High School
Iola, Kansas
Teacher: Loretta Arnold

Community Connection
By Jennifer Beebe
12th Grade

I feel fortunate to live in a small rural community where most people care about their friends and neighbors and offer help at a moment’s notice if needed.  Community is the individuals and area that surround each of us.  These people include ones that we live with or live by; friends, and relatives.  They are always there to support and care for us....  I feel that my community has helped shaped who I am now.  In this day and age, I feel very fortunate to know and trust our neighbors as though they were part of my extended family. 

The world community does not seem to affect me directly; however, it does and will definitely affect me more as I grow older and learn more.  One example of a current situation would be the war in Iraq.  A friend of my family is serving our country in Iraq now.  Frequently, I worry about him and hope that he makes it home safely. 

The United States is my national community and the country I live in.  On September 11, 2001, the United States suffered the most unimaginable tragedy.  The World Trade Center and [an area in] Pennsylvania [succumbed to] attack by terrorists.  It was the deadliest day in recent American history, costing more lives than the attack on Pearl Harbor or D-Day.  Since this tragedy has occurred Americans have united stronger than ever.  This tragedy has made me more thankful for my community and family and how they are always there for me.

Local communities are the ones who help individuals the most throughout life.  “It takes a village to raise a child,” is a phrase that is used frequently.  This village is normally the local community, which is helpful to…parents…raising children. 

[My] nuclear family consists of my mom, dad and brother.  They are the people I live with.  I have lived with all of them my entire life.  Fortunately, my parents have a healthy relationship and have kept the family together and functioning.  We are all very close and enjoy activities together.  My brother and I have a relationship that most siblings do not have that I am very thankful for. 

While growing up, I had only one grandparent alive to interact with.  But I have many aunts, uncles, and cousins that are there for me.  Most of my relatives live from 30 to 100 miles away.  There are a few of my relatives that live in a different state or country.  I feel fortunate to be able to see my relatives that live close at least once a month.

The ancestors on my mom’s side came from Scotland.  Pringle is their family name and many of them are still living in Scotland today.  My dad’s ancestors came from England.  I have been told that they were the beekeepers for the Queen of England.  This is where my last name of “Beebe” came from and I am proud of my last name.

In every community there are going to be friends that become close to one another.  Most of these friendships occur in the local communities.  Some individuals often have more than just one close friend.  The friendships that any person develops are very important in the decisions and attributes they make in life.

The personal community that I am part of is a volunteer organization called 4-H.  This organization includes children of all ages from six to nineteen years old.  There are five clubs in the county I live in that are all part of this organization.  The name of the club I am in is the City Slickers 4-H club.  4-H has a wonderful leadership program [where] I have learned a significant amount of leadership skills.  It has [had] a major impact on me [and made me] a more confident and reliable person.

Throughout the year I participate in the club meetings that are held once a month [as well as] other activities.  One of the biggest events of the year is the county fair.  During the fair I have projects such as:  showing animals, sewing, crocheting, cooking, and crops that are judged at this time.  If I receive a purple or better on my projects I have the chance to submit them to the state fair.  Having the chance to take my projects to the state fair is very rewarding because I know that all the effort and hard work that was put into the project was worth it in the end. 

Everyone has and needs some community involvement in life whether they realize it or not.  This involvement can be from any or all of the communities listed above….  I know that I am a better person from all the community involvement in my life.

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