Hii everyone! This summer, I’ve been working as a Residential Counselor for a pre-college program that supports first-generation high school students, and it has truly transformed the way I view community. As a first-generation college student myself, I felt a strong sense of connection and responsibility when I accepted this position, but nothing could have prepared me for the depth of the relationships I would form and the lessons I would learn with my students.
Living alongside teenagers who are navigating similar challenges that I once faced has been very emotional. From late-night conversations about college fears to helping them write their first resumes, every moment has reminded me of the importance of representation, empathy, and encouragement. I didn’t just step into a leadership role, I became part of a new community made up of driven, curious, and kind young people.
Before this summer, my idea of community was shaped by culture and background, shared language, and traditions. While those things still matter deeply, this experience has shown me that community can also be rooted in shared goals, mutual respect, and collective growth. The students and I come from different cities, speak different dialects, and have different stories, but we understand each other.
I’ve also learned that community doesn’t just happen, it is built. It requires showing up every day with a lot of patience. Creating safe spaces for students to express themselves, supporting their academic and emotional needs, and celebrating their wins have become my daily priorities. In return, I’ve received many gestures of love and respect.
This role has reminded me that community is not always something you’re born into. Community is something you grow with others. I have not been taking many pictures to be transparent, so I apologize for the lack of them. I respect the kids privacy a lot and they are not the biggest fans of pictures. I am sharing with you though a picture of a cooking competition we did with them!
HSF House Blogs 