As October is coming to an end, summer break is starting to feel like a hazy memory. Coming into a new year, characters are important observations. It’s equally significant in developing your own character as well as acknowledging the personas of the people who are now surrounding you once more, or even for the first time. Nevertheless, characters with individuality are important when becoming or being a part of a community.
Communities are not just about having varied and distinguished personas, but also about collaboration and helping others. I spoke to a student here at BHSECQ, Jonathan De La Cruz. I asked him about his hobbies and how the new year is going for him. Remembering the club fair, I asked what club(s) he had joined. He mentioned the Key Club, a committee that works in supporting others. He said, “I really like helping other people and I feel like joining the key club will actually help out other communities which is what I care for.”
Bringing back our focus to the individual, some people showcase extroverted characteristics, while others still haven’t fully gotten out of their shell. Jonathan portrayed a more outgoing personality. He shows how he values spending time with friends and how the relationships he makes with people will always be held close to him.
His point of view reintroduces the overall idea that school shouldn’t always be about grades, tests, and work, but also about the people that you meet along the way. Everyone is different, and that’s what strengthens the connections between people here at Bard.
As a person, you have the chance to be a part of something a lot bigger than the simple expectations of a student. It could be providing for those who need it or focusing on the creation of bonds, rather than simply centering the 7-8 hours in school solely around work. Whether you prefer keeping to yourself or are incredibly social, everyone has potential to enrich this year in their own ways.
Finally, it’s vital to remember that your role as a student is not only to benefit the society surrounding you and your academics, but also to find a balance including enhancing the union around you, your education, and your well-being. School opening once again can be stressful but you should know that the premise of Bard should not only encompass academic criteria, but personal and community development which will benefit students such as yourself.