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Essay / The Importance of Community Development in College and Beyond career, it's important to take the time to build and nurture your community. In this essay, I will explore the benefits of community building, examine the pitfalls of neglecting it, and offer concrete steps for students to create meaningful connections with their peers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBenefits of Community DevelopmentFirst, let's look at the ways community development can enrich our college experiences. In a recent study, researchers found that students who feel connected to their campus community are more likely to persist to graduation (Pascarella, Edison, Nora, Hagedorn, & Terenzini, 2001). Indeed, students who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to seek out resources, ask for help, and engage in academic and social activities. Additionally, being part of a vibrant and diverse community can broaden our perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. The Pitfalls of Neglecting Community DevelopmentOn the other hand, neglecting community building and maintenance can have negative consequences. According to a survey conducted by the National College Health Assessment in 2018, 60% of college students reported feeling very lonely in the past 12 months (American College Health Association, 2018). This feeling of isolation can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which can in turn affect academic performance and overall well-being. Additionally, not engaging with our peers can limit our opportunities to learn from and collaborate with others, which can hinder our personal and professional growth. Strategies for Creating Meaningful Communities So how can we create meaningful, lasting communities? Here are three key strategies: Keep in mind: This is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Look for common interests. One of the best ways to communicate with others is to find common ground. This might involve joining a club or organization that aligns with your passions, attending an on-campus event focused on a topic you care about, or even reaching out to other students in your classes to discuss classes. By starting with something you both care about, you can lay the foundation for deeper conversations and relationships. Practice active listening. Once you find people to communicate with, it's important to be an active and engaged listener. This means asking open-ended questions, thinking about what someone has shared with you, and avoiding distractions like phones or other devices. When we truly listen to others, we can learn from their perspectives and life experiences, which can broaden our own understanding of the world around us. Be vulnerable. Building community requires vulnerability – a willingness to share our own stories and struggles with others. Although it can be scary to open up, it can create a safe space for others to do the same. This can..
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