Community in the Honors College
January 22, 2016
By Emma Alexander, Honors Communications Intern
Community is important to us here in the Honors College. Students are able to connect across disciplines with other students and faculty, making the Honors College a unique and well-rounded community. As we welcome students back to the community at the start of spring semester, we asked some of them, "What does community mean to you?"
Honors students ice skating at the Spring 2016 welcome back event.
Matthew Cunningham, a freshman in Honors First Year Engineering shared,
To me, community is where the people around you make you want to work harder not only to improve yourself but the greater good of all. They may share common interests, live nearby, or take the same classes, but at the end of the day, they will always have your back no matter what.
Claire Lee, a sophomore in Political Science and Economics said that most of her meaning of community comes from the Honors College and living in a community of scholars. She shared,
To me, community is a sense of belonging. It’s the ability to sit down and have a conversation about everything from donuts to democracy and not have to worry about your sharing your opinions. It means knowing that there is respect and interest. Community for me is the sheer excitement of being among driven individuals with different thoughts and ideas and knowing that you inspire them as much as they inspire you.
Community is a very important aspect of Honors life. We believe that bringing bright, motivated, hard-working young people together fosters a community where creativity and innovation can thrive. After all, "We rise by lifting others." –Robert Ingersoll
So as you begin to settle into your routines this spring semester, be an active member of the communities you are a part of. You never know what great things might arise because of it.
