“community”

My point of view: seeing the behind-the-scenes of a summer intensive while being fully immersed in it—living it. Experiencing the exhaustion and exhilaration simultaneously. It’s intense, competitive, and emotionally demanding. But within it, there’s something sacred: community.

To witness the inner workings of this kind of space is to understand just how much a community fuels the individual. Not just in a romantic sense, but cognitively, emotionally, and physically. In the world of sport research, the role of community is increasingly being studied—not just as a social benefit, but as a crucial factor in performance. Culture, environment, coaching styles, even the energy of the support staff—these all contribute to how an athlete or artist shows up in their work.

Because community isn’t just about being surrounded by people. It’s about being seen. Supported. Heard. Accepted. Even on your worst day, someone is there to remind you why you started. To bring you back to yourself.

In a summer intensive, you learn the true meaning of "intensive." It’s harsh. It asks everything of you. But somehow, within all of that—between the sweat and sore muscles, the self-doubt and the breakthroughs—you find love. You find softness. You find people who understand exactly what you're going through without you having to explain it.

Leaving that kind of space is emotional. Because what you’re leaving isn’t just a program—it’s a part of yourself. A version of you that only exists when you’re among people who make you feel whole.

I think that’s the point. A community is what keeps you going when you think you have nothing left. It’s what catches you when you fall. That’s why it's essential—no matter your profession. Because without community, it can be lonely. It can be emotionally draining, especially when you feel lost. Especially when you’re unsure of your next step.

There’s a reason people say lean on your community.
Because community equals connection.
Connection opens doors.
Opportunities.
Healing.
Perspective.
Growth.

But what does support really look like? How does it shift for each person? How do you express a need when you don’t even know what you’re missing?

Sometimes, it’s about finding the right environment. One that reflects you, serves you. Because your environment shapes you—how you think, feel, and act. What you consume daily has the power to either nourish you or drain you. And we get to choose which way it goes.

The arts feel like a community.
Not just because we share a craft—but because we share a purpose.
We create, not just for ourselves, but for each other.
We show up, we fall apart, we rebuild. Together.

That’s something you can’t replicate.
But it’s essential—for growth.
For survival.
For joy.
For meaning.