2008 Woodie Awards
In Greater Detail
House Community Enhanced by Confidence?
Virginia Phillips
Issue date: 2/3/05 Section: Opinion
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One of the absolute "bests" of Smith College is the housing. Undoubtedly, it is very unique in comparison with many other institutions of higher education across the country - and deservedly so, it costs a pretty penny, plus a few, to partake in Smith's housing system. Even in light of the recent changes to dining, which also changed the intimate feel of Smith housing, the uniqueness of house community has persisted. Or, shall I say, the opportunity for house community has persisted?
While the opportunity is still present, the uniqueness of house community seems to have been dwindling; maybe it's because we're reached the second semester and we're all in go-mode to accomplish our tasks in the most efficient manner, or maybe house communities haven't put enough effort into seeking out more common interests of the group. Or, it could be that we have yet to realize that not only are we being offered an academic education, but also an education in the science of effectively interacting with other people. In either case, the results of diminishing house community are always evident in the manner that complaints, questions, problems, concerns, etc. are addressed among community members. Clearly, when house community members do not feel comfortable talking to one another about their concerns, there is a rut in the process of house interaction that needs to be addressed.
Recently, although I haven't quite been able to pinpoint the reasons behind the observation, I have noticed that house community has become a bit more cliquey, a little less accepting of differing social lifestyle preferences, and generally more disconnected. Friends and acquaintances of mine from various locations on campus have reported higher incidence of zero tolerance behavior, less mediating interaction, and, although I hate to use the phrase, less civil discourse. While they do not prove community friction, open doubles and sudden new faces in your houses certainly suggest unhappiness within the community.
While the opportunity is still present, the uniqueness of house community seems to have been dwindling; maybe it's because we're reached the second semester and we're all in go-mode to accomplish our tasks in the most efficient manner, or maybe house communities haven't put enough effort into seeking out more common interests of the group. Or, it could be that we have yet to realize that not only are we being offered an academic education, but also an education in the science of effectively interacting with other people. In either case, the results of diminishing house community are always evident in the manner that complaints, questions, problems, concerns, etc. are addressed among community members. Clearly, when house community members do not feel comfortable talking to one another about their concerns, there is a rut in the process of house interaction that needs to be addressed.
Recently, although I haven't quite been able to pinpoint the reasons behind the observation, I have noticed that house community has become a bit more cliquey, a little less accepting of differing social lifestyle preferences, and generally more disconnected. Friends and acquaintances of mine from various locations on campus have reported higher incidence of zero tolerance behavior, less mediating interaction, and, although I hate to use the phrase, less civil discourse. While they do not prove community friction, open doubles and sudden new faces in your houses certainly suggest unhappiness within the community.