M.P. Hassel

March 26, 2024

Welcome to spring my friends. Amidst the Sisyphean community college repetition of attending classes and submitting assignments that often monopolize our schedules, we must not overlook the vital power of gathering together. As we enjoy the mellowing springtime weather, take time to look south from campus towards the towering skyscrapers of center city. We are the northern neighbor of the hustle and bustle of the business district; our institution stands as a beacon of hope for Philadelphia’s future. 

Diversity serves as a cornerstone of our strength yet harbors the potential for tension if not fully embraced. Our college campus reflects the rich myriad of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that make up our city as a whole. However, true inclusion requires more than just coexistence; it necessitates active engagement and understanding. 

Within the dynamic ecosystems of the campus, learning transcends the boundaries of classrooms. Perhaps the most profound lessons in college are learned through the interactions we have with our peers. Whether it’s sharing a cup of coffee in the student lounge or participating in group study sessions, these informal exchanges offer invaluable opportunities to glean insights into various cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences. Engaging with classmates who bring diverse backgrounds and viewpoints to the table challenges our assumptions, broadens our horizons, and nurtures a deeper understanding of the world around us. 

As we navigate our college years, let’s recognize that these interactions serve not only as preparation for our careers but also for our roles as citizens and neighbors. The connections we forge and the perspectives we gain here lay the foundation for our future to affect positive change in our communities and beyond.

The Covid-19 pandemic rendered the entirety of our work life and education to our homes. Now, with the threat of lockdown and obligation of social distancing behind us, our lives are still confined to the home and either the workplace or school, maybe all three. Enter the concept of the “third place” – a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe informal gathering spots beyond home (“first place”) and work or school (“second place”). These third places serve as neutral ground where each of us, regardless of our place in the college, can come together, relax, and share ideas without barriers to entry. As community college students, our campuses should strive to embody this ideal of the third place.

We have our learning lab and library, where you can buckle down and get your study on. But let’s be honest, it’s not exactly the place you want to kick it with your crew and shoot the breeze. While the library offers a quiet retreat from the chaos, its sterile atmosphere can feel isolating at times. At the same time, the learning lab is hardly a productive study area when groups treat it like a social club. Ever tried concentrating when a group of loud talkers sets up camp next to you? Not exactly conducive to getting work done.

Then there’s the Winnet courtyard and Absalom Jones courtyard adjacent to the library. In theory, a sunny spot to soak up some Vitamin D while catching up with friends sounds enticing. But our city’s weather is not always on our side. Rain, snow, sleet, and every form of wintry mix are far too common for an outdoor courtyard to serve as a consistent place to gather.

And our café. With its inviting design right on the corner of 17th Street and Spring Garden Avenue, Saxby’s falls short when the music blares too loudly and the prices strain our already tight budgets. Have you seen the prices on that coffee? Three and a half dollars for a large coffee is unreasonable for a coffee shop physically attached to the college and selling to budgeting college students.

The responsibility does not solely rest on the college to provide ideal gathering spots. It’s up to us, the students, to reclaim these spaces and transform them into vibrant communities. We have the power to turn a noisy learning lab into a collaborative study group, to create a sense of camaraderie in the library, and to turn the café into a welcoming haven for meaningful conversations.

However, as we embrace the concept of the third place, we must also reckon with the omnipresence of smartphones and their potential to erode genuine human interaction. The unprecedented access to information and communication can also perpetuate antisocial behaviors and hinder meaningful connections. Offering a simple compliment, asking a question about something on your mind, or initiating a light-hearted conversation about an interest, these small gestures of kindness and genuine curiosity can go a long way in forging new connections.

Let’s not underestimate the necessity of connection. Let’s not underestimate the power of the great outdoors. Yes, our city’s weather may not always be cooperative, but when the sun is shining, why not take advantage of our campus courtyard? It may not be the most glamorous of spaces, but with a little creativity and resourcefulness, we can transform it into a vibrant gathering spot where ideas flow freely and friendships flourish. 

As community college students in a diverse urban landscape, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead by example. We have a unique opportunity to champion diversity, foster inclusive spaces, and prioritize genuine human connection both on our campuses and in our communities. Let us embrace gathering together, both on our campuses and in our communities, as we work together to build a brighter, more connected future for all.