Newell-Fonda High School
Newell, Iowa
Teacher: Mrs. Doonan 

My Communities
By: Sarah Culp
12^th grade

When a local family lost their house in a fire, it didn’t take long for people to spring into action.  People began to help out by bringing food, clothes, and other needed goods.  There were fundraisers held to raise money.  I was able to participate in this by helping plan a benefit for the family. It was an example of people working together to encourage people who were hurting. It was a sign of true community.  Everyone has the different communities that they belong to both large and small. I realize that I should appreciate these communities and be willing to be a contributor. In my life I experience the sense of community and belonging in many ways.

The day I was born, I became a part of our great world community.  I should be proud of who I am and what I will become. There are times when I feel so miniscule compared to the rest of the world. Yet, I know that every person is unique and adds something special to the human race.  I also feel privileged to say I come from my segment of the world community, the United States of America. This summer, I traveled to Brazil for a mission’s trip; it opened my eyes to our world. It helped me see what a great country I have grown up in.  Our great community of comfort, high living conditions, and personal freedoms is something people take for granted.  The children I worked with live in poverty that can only be imagined in the United States. I hope to support our nation’s efforts to promote freedom in other nations.

While living in a small town in rural Iowa as I do, it is easy to feel community.  I feel a part of my local community through the relationships and support that I experience. In a city of 1000 people, everyone is extremely friendly.  Whether getting the mail or walking, people are always talking with acquaintances.  This is evident when I go running. I am many times interrupted by people who stop for a chat.  Also, in a small town people support each other.  I feel this in the attitude of many residents toward our high school.  This past year I was a stat girl for the football team.  Even if the game was an hour away, many fans filled the stands.  This shows the pride the people of our community have.  Even as spectators, they feel a part of our teams as we represent our community.

Another form of community is my family that began with my ancestors where a feeling of wonder comes over me.  My ancestors are my unique community that made it possible for me to be the person I am. I am proud of them for creating the life that I am able to live.  Sometimes I wonder; would my ancestors be proud of me?  Would they agree with my choices?  These questions run through my mind.  I hope my ancestors would be proud of their descendant. 

Love is an essential need, and many of my communities create this feeling in me. The greatest is the love of my family. I have grown up with very supportive and giving grandparents.  They have taught me through example what love and care is all about. It is amazing knowing how much they love me. My grandparents are present at almost every one of my activities. Rarely does my grandpa not give me a hug and tell me he loves me.  My parents fit in there with my grandparents.  They are supportive of everything I do.  Even though my dad is busy, he always fits time in for me to talk about sports or schoolwork.  My mom and I have a close relationship too.  Most nights she still tucks me in.  Before I go to sleep, she will come up and talk to me and rub my back.  Then we will say a good night prayer.  I am thankful that I have been raised in a family that is a community of love.

Along with my parents, my closest community would be my sisters.  Not only are they my sisters; they are my best friends.  I have three sisters who are all within four years of my age.  I have built strong relationships with each of them.  They give me security and the confidence that I need.  Because they share the same values and interests that I do, they understand the various struggles and challenges that I face.  They are there for everything from a heart to heart talk to a good laugh. I remember one instance my older sister stuck up for me.  She put another friendship on the line for her sister.  Sisters are my greatest community. 

Another community that I feel a part of is my church. This community isn’t created by location but by shared beliefs. Every week has its own struggles, so every week I am ready to refresh myself.  My church is where I get encouragement.  I take much comfort in my youth group.  It is a break from the hectic school life.  I have built relationships with many individuals.  Each week we check up and encourage each other.

I should never take for granted the communities that I am a part of.  I feel the comfort of them every day.  Whether it be in the comfort of my country, support of my local community, wonder of my ancestors, love of my grandparents and parents, security of my sisters and friends, or encouragement of my church family.  The ways they provide for me; I feel a need to give back. I need to be a contributor, not just a receiver.  One way was when I helped with the benefit for the family that lost their home in the fire. We raised $3000 for the family. More importantly, we gave back to our local community.  I hope that experience is only the beginning of working to strengthen my communities. 

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