Relationships off the Grid
By Kaya Williams & Megan Uribe
November 11, 2024
Before we begin, we want to acknowledge the love we’ve come to have for our Arcadian family. We’ve built a bond that surpasses on-campus friendships because of the lifestyle that we have accepted for this semester. As we cook, sleep, clean, create, Clive, and class with each other every day, there are so many systems put in place so we can maintain a graceful experience and exist with acknowledgement of individual roles taken on in this community. Personally, understanding the number of contributions received from all members of this community contributes to the amount of appreciation, respect, and fondness that has grown for our peers in the “Cade.” With the progression of these friendships has come the lesson of forming, storming, performing, and norming.
In the beginning of the semester, we when first heard the “storming” part of this formula, we were all appalled and so sure we would miss the storm. However, there were some light showers and partial lightning as we identified the importance of boundaries that come with such close proximity.
During our community meetings every Wednesday, facilitated by Nate and Eva, our assistant directors, we go over community reminders on a white board to hold each other accountable and keep the space healthy. After chatting with our directors, they emphasized the importance of these meetings to maintain these substantial relationships during this semester. Comparing these some circumstances here in the village to on-campus circumstances, there is a great difference in how we relate and bond with one another. We have the privilege of eating meals with one another every day and taking our classes to another level, getting more personal and interactive with one another in different capacities.
The forming of relationships on campus can look a little different than writing our community concerns on a whiteboard. Arcadian Rachel Pelletier says, “I am able to be myself and more comfortable to do things I never would’ve on campus.” Living in closer proximity allows us to reach beyond surface-level friendships and form stronger foundations for relationships because we all see the good and bad. On campus, however, we must actively seek out those around us as it can be easier to isolate yourself than to step out of your comfort zones. As a first-year student, you are sorted by class interest into freshman dorms and take a class with your fellow dormmates in an effort to help create these bonds. Although you may be in close proximity to these people, you do not rely on each other as much as we do here in Arcadia. With the absence of cell phones and distraction from the outside world, we rely on each other for entertainment, appreciation, and kindness. This, along with sharing every meal together, differs from life on campus. The relationships on campus can grow from taking a class with one another to constantly running into someone during passing. Because of these small and somewhat frequent interactions, you then may choose to pursue or craft a friendship.
In Arcadia, we are met with a different circumstance, how to run as a well-oiled machine while allowing space for bonding and relationship building. As mentioned before, we have systems set in place to assist in this process. Every week during our community meetings there is an opportunity to voice concerns for systems that are not working in our community. In a typical campus setting, this can be difficult as confrontation and compromise can be scary. Here we have learned by trial and error the ways to best support one another, as well as the best methods of communication to ensure everyone is heard and listened to. These tools are not only valuable in Arcadia, but things to take with us for everyday life. As we all prepare for the transition from small community living off the grid to a much busier and modern society, we remember the small practices that we have developed during our time here. Whether moving into a theme house and presenting new methods of communication or living in a dorm room and setting boundaries to meet each other’s needs, or even starting a new job with complete strangers, we will always take a piece of Arcadia with us. Here we have laughed together, cried together, and stressed together over assignments, bad news, and funny moments we may never forget. Although the road has been a bit bumpy and it took us a couple tries before getting it right, we all have formed an unbreakable bond that we will carry with us while learning the highs and lows of community living. Thank you, Arcadia!
