Finding Your Community
I know many of you are starting your first semester of university this week, I know that's an overwhelming time, full of uncertainty and social anxiety. Just know that you’ll be okay, anyone who’s made it to the other end will tell you there’s ups and downs but if you stick true to yourself you’ll not only make it to the end but you’ll find some form of Community.
Speaking of community, if you’re looking for a surreal and fun way to unwind during your first semester, I highly recommend the TV show Community. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of life at a fictional community college called Greendale, and while it takes the quirks of college life to hyperreal extremes, it captures the essence of what it’s like to find your people in an academic setting. The show beautifully conveys the idea of friends becoming family, all within the chaotic but charming confines of a campus environment.
In many ways, Concordia, and even MacEwan, (which actually started as a community college) has a similar vibe to Greendale. Sure, it’s a university, but its smaller size and close-knit feel make it more intimate, like a community college. Eccentric professors, vibrant campus culture, and that unshakable sense of nostalgia that follows you long after you graduate all add to the charm. Compared to a larger institution like the University of Alberta, there’s a more wholesome and welcoming energy here.
This same energy flows through Community. Every episode is cleverly named after a fictional course and incorporates themes tied to university life. For instance, an episode titled “Environmental Science” follows a campus protest about corporations harming the environment—both a satirical and insightful take on real-world issues. The more you experience university life, the more relatable the show becomes. I’ve lost count of how many times something said in Community mirrors something I’ve heard on campus.
Beyond the humour, Community helped me navigate the emotional ups and downs of university. Created by Dan Harmon (of Rick and Morty fame), the show delves deeply into what it means to forge meaningful connections over a four-to-six-year university journey. The conflicts, the growth, and the bittersweet goodbyes are all explored with a heartfelt honesty that hits home. While Rick and Morty has its tender moments, Community is overflowing with them. Many episodes end with poignant speeches that remind you how formative these years are—and how much they’ll mean when you look back.
So, will you be fine during university? I truly believe so. Can I guarantee it? Of course not—but if you stay focused on your goals, life will start to unfold in rewarding ways. Along the way, you’ll likely find kindred spirits who’ll become your support system, your community.
Don’t give up hope, trust yourself, and take care of your well-being. And while you’re at it, do yourself a favour and dive into this incredible show. With the long-awaited Community movie in production, now is the perfect time to binge it and see how these characters’ post-university lives unfold.
