Newell-Fonda High School
Newell, Iowa
Teacher: Connie Doonan  

Me and My Connection to Community
By Cristina Ites
12^th grade

Community is all around us, we don’t think about it as a community but does anyone know what a community is? No one can truly define what community is, but most people have a good idea what it’s about. Some people think that [it’s] a town, a place, a building, or just a certain people, but do they ever stop and wonder how they feel community? When I feel community, [it is the] coming together [to] have each other’s backs and trust.

The most important community that I have in my life is [my relationship with] Ethan. Ethan, my son, is 7 months old. Our community is pretty special we have a bond that will never end; we will have trust in each other and be there for each other. I like to think that Ethan is my rock; he keeps me going from day to day, knowing I can make it for us. A mother’s and a son’s relationship is the most precious community to have, and to always hold close.

The family I have now isn’t like anybody else’s that is for sure. But I know that it is my strongest community.  I’m seventeen years old, and I had a son. My mom left while I was pregnant, and my dad stayed by me the day I found out. My mom is still there for me, and my son, but found a better life for herself. My family consists of my dad, Ethan, and Anthony. My dad, wow he is the type of guy that everyone should have in his or her life. I know that he cares about me a lot, and respects me a lot for how strong I am and how I stood up to him and everyone while I was pregnant.  He’s honest and gives me his opinion.  Most of all I see more than [I saw before by his] not turning away. Anthony is the father’s baby; he’s like my dad; he’s strong and didn’t turn away. He helped most of all by being there, and never leaving me; [not even] once.

I have a community of friends that I can always count on, and they can count on me. I like the feeling of having this community because I know that when I look at my life, that I have people that care about me, and I have people that I truly care about. Most people like that feeling, and I wish that everyone had that feeling because it’s one of the best feelings to have. My networks of friends are Candra, Tenaea, Ashley, Alyssa, and Jaimie. They are helpful when I need them the most.  They care about how I feel and we can talk honestly to each other.  Most of all they are all good companions. I would never let my friends down, and I know that I would never let them down. I think that is why everyone should have a network of friends.

My extended family is caring. My community with them is somewhat close, but not too much. They are very loving and caring. I know that I can always ask them for help if I need it. I love to visit them a lot because it’s fun listening to what it was like back then and what it is like now.

I can’t really talk about my ancestors that much. I was adopted when I was two years old. I was never told much about my [genetic] family, but it doesn’t bother me too much, because I’m grateful for what I have here. The things that I feel [are] mostly in wonderment. I wonder what my parents are like and what my life would have been like if I got to stay with them. Some days I feel really lost, not knowing where I came from, or who my parents are.  I’m confused with who I really am because I don’t have that [knowledge] to fall back on. But I hold my head up high and make the best of what I have, and I’m happy for what I have.  [I’m sorry and] wish all people had the same chances and opportunities [I’ve had].

My local community…consists of my library, postal, school, and my neighbor. I think that my local community, makes our town feel safe, since we are close, and we all know each other and can trust, and be there for each other.  Our community will come together in the time of need.

When I feel national and world community I feel exactly the same for both. I don’t think much [about] it, but there is truly a world community. Our world is sad and pathetic. Most people think about themselves, and not about others, and we don’t look out for each other. There is so much poverty in the world [as in] Africa and other places.  Some of us have the heart to give, and others don’t. But when it comes to us needing help we ask why can’t we get more help than this? Honestly, I wish that I could do more to help this world out to show other people that people do care, and not just [about] themselves.

When you know that people have your back, and you can trust them, that’s when you know you have community. You can find community all around you, no matter where you look. It’s a matter what type of community you’re truly involved with, and you can give back, what they have given to you.

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