Recently Brad started a discussion group on community. That’s what All Nations and the student group has meant to me in varying degrees. I came to Halifax two years ago to study and I’ve been going to All Nations for almost that long. The general atmosphere was very welcoming and I’ve made some good friends. I like that the student group is very inclusive. You don’t have to be from a CRC background. You don’t have to go to Dalhousie University. You don’t have to be young. You don’t even have to be a student! These factors make for a dynamic group and thought provoking discussions.
One of the hardest things about being part of a student group is that people are constantly moving away. Over the last year I’ve said good-bye to a number of friends so that by the end of the summer there was hardly anyone left. So, yeah, it can be emotionally draining and even depressing at times. I appreciate that Brad and Julie understand where I’m coming from ’ they’ve had to say good-bye too.
Now it’s my turn to welcome the newcomers. This year there are several new students and non-students. Come spring it will be my turn to leave All Nations. Part of me wants to say, “What’s the point of making new friends if I’ll just have to say good-bye to them too?” But then what is the alternative? No, being part of a community is important even if is constantly changing. And as one member of the discussion group on community reminded me, you don’t know when your friendship will be a blessing to someone else.
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