What Does Community Mean?
What does Community mean and where can it be found?
Community is traditionally defined as a group of people who share a common characteristic, interest, or location. Though this is the widely accepted definition, community is also much more. It is an intangible and powerful idea that exists within human connection. Sometimes it can be observed in physical locations (as referenced in this project), but sometimes community is a feeling of belonging and a support system. Because of this, community takes many forms that can be seen, felt, and experienced in a multitude of ways.
At George Mason and other college campuses, community can be observed in physical spaces where students gather. These locations may become extremely important to the origin of the community due to the diverse groups of students they attract. This diversity allows for student connection which may increase the feeling of belonging. These places tend to evolve over time though. In 1975, the Rathskellar (AKA “the Rat”) opened. This was a prominent location for student interaction as it was a place where students could eat and watch/participate in multiple forms of entertainment. However, as the years went by, the focus shifted from the Rathskellar to somewhere new.
When the Johnson Center (AKA “the JC”) opened in 1996, it attracted many of the students. Due to the increase of interest in this new location, many students stopped going to the Rathskellar which allowed the Johnson Center to become the new center for community on campus. This shift to the Johnson Center should not be too surprising; as the community changes over the years, the needs, preferences, and trends change. However, the idea of community remains the same, that community exists where people gather and feel a sense of security and belonging.
Why is Community important?
Community plays an enormous role on college campuses because it shapes a student’s experience. College causes a massive transition in young adults’ lives. It provides students with a new surroundings which includes a change in location and the people they are around. Having a community at Mason helps students feel like they belong and are supported. Mason consists of a very diverse group of people who come from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Being surrounded by this much diversity opens the door for personal and professional growth which requires both having communication skills and having an understanding for others.
Where can Mason’s community be seen today?
Many may argue that there is a lack of community at Mason. Mason does have community, and it always has had it, even though the sources and locations may shift throughout the years. The first notable location explored was the Rathskeller which hosted a very diverse group of students. Over the years, it lost popularity as the Johnson Center opened. The focus shifted to the Johnson Center and its new food court area.
Note: In more recent years, Horizon Hall has also become a center for community as it has an expansive area where many students can be found studying. It is also home to “the MIX” which is a space where students can explore their interests with a hands-on experience.