A millennial chooses rural

June 10th, 2009 by

Growing up in a rural community has deeply contributed to who I am today. So, to begin my blogging adventure, I have compiled a list of why I choose rural. I do not know how much I fit the mold of a stereotypical GenY, but I feel strongly drawn towards rural communities. As an aspiring rural educator, I am excited about rural schools and communities because of the unique opportunities for providing an exceptional education.

  1. Family. I grew up in Corsica, SD, (pop. 650). I will admit, I did not always have my heart set on returning to a small community; however, after living and going to school in Sioux Falls, I miss the atmosphere of a small town – where I knew my neighbors and where I could feel comfortable raising a family. Small towns center on families and community, an environment that is warm and inviting for me. I like being around family, even if it is not my own family.
  2. Safety. Rural communities generally have lower crime rates. Children are often seen riding bikes and walking around town without adults, especially in the summer. As a future parent, this is where I would want to raise a family.
  3. More than a job. In a rural community, a teacher is more than just a teacher. I can look forward to being an engaged community member, teacher, mentor, coach, etc. all in one.
  4. More than a school. Rural schools are the ideal setting to implement place-based education, which engages the often-disconnected youth and makes learning more meaningful and relevant. Teachers and students can investigate where they are from, how they got there, what living in their community means, and what their community could be.
  5. Collaboration. Rural teaching lends itself more towards collaboration, and teachers collaborate more often with other teachers and community resources, which creates meaningful learning experiences for students.
  6. Connectivity. In a rural place, the relationships between school and community are strong. As a teacher, I will be connected to my students’ families, local merchants, local events, etc. I will not be the only person teaching my students. They can and should learn from community members, parents, and other students as often as possible. Students can also teach their peers, teachers, parents, and others in the community.
  7. Belonging. I will have opportunities to affect the community in which I live. As a community member, I matter.

As an educator, I will be valuable and connected to the community; maybe that is why I want to live in a rural setting. As Barley & Beesley’s study published in the Journal of Research in Rural Education (2007) found, “smaller rural schools capitalize on the closer relationships among smaller faculties and the teachers’ connectedness to the community and personal investment in the school.” Having grown up in the rural school setting, I wholeheartedly agree.

As a rural teacher, I am excited about facilitating this type of community connection. Forming connections and relationships, especially between schools and community is an important aspect of rural life. Forming connections with others and having others reaching out to connect with me are two main elements I want from my surroundings (as do most Millennials). We desire a connection and a sense of purpose in our surroundings. I want and need to feel connected, engaged, and important to the community.

 Rural life is attractive to me, knowing I will be connected and needed. The issue, however, is how do communities attract others like me – GenY’s with post-secondary educations who are looking to contribute. It has to start with actively recruiting them with more than just “we have jobs.” It has to be “we need you!”

 

Further Reading:   “Saving a Community’s Heart: The Small Rural School” @ Education World 

Photo Credit:  Pick Sherbert Photography/Flickr

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Posted in Community Engagement, Gen Y, Rural, Rural Life, Youth | Comments ( 0 )

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