Posts Tagged ‘Corsica SD’

A millennial chooses rural

June 10th, 2009

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)

Welcome Nicole Lauck

June 9th, 2009

The Rural Learning Center has the good fortune of having two interns who will write for the ReImainge Rural blog this summer. To help readers get to know them better, I’ve conducted a short interview with each.  What follows is an interview with Nicole Lauck of Corsica, SD. 

 

Where did you grow up, where are you going to school now, and what are you studying?
I grew up in Corsica, South Dakota and now attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls studying English and Secondary Education.

What do you hope to write about this summer?
I will be writing about rural education, rural youth, and ways of connecting in rural settings, whether it is social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), websites, or other forms of interaction.

What’s one of your most favorite memories about growing up in a rural community?
If only my bicycle had an odometer. I don’t know how many miles I put on it riding back and forth to the swimming pool, friends’ houses, the drive-in, and anywhere else we could think of going. Summer time at the swimming pool is definitely a favorite memory of mine.

What’s one of your least favorite memories about growing up in a rural community?
I never felt that community members expected me to return after college (granted, I don’t know if I will return to my hometown). Not that I was rejected, but the community needs a self-esteem booster to realize that high-achieving young people with degrees can and will find homes in small towns.

What’s the “coolest” small town or place in a small town that you have been to?
I love small town main streets, street dances, and festivals. I love potluck dinners and just visiting with people over great food and celebration. Fourth of July celebrations are one of the coolest times of the year to be in a small town - greased pig rodeos, barbeques, bed races, etc. are great!

 

I’m excited about Nicole being onboard for several reasons:  First, she will help deliver a younger voice of experience.  For instance, I found it interesting that she suggested many community members in her hometown don’t expect talented, young people like her to want to live in a rural community. Her experience seems to correspond with the focus of soon to be released Hollowing out the Middle.

Second, Nicole wants to teach in a rural community and understands the value of place-based education – a subject dear to our hearts in Miner County.  I’ll let her elaborate on more of that in later posts;  but it’s very refreshing to hear that a future educator understands the value of connecting students to their community.

Welcome aboard Nicole!

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Posted in Community Development, Gen Y, Rural, Youth | Comments (4)