“Community is where compassion meets action I’ve learned this through my sister Naomi, who has autism and epilepsy. Supporting her taught me that building a stronger community begins with empathy, patience, and the courage to advocate for others.”

“To me, community is more than a group of people who live in an area defined as rural, urban, or suburban. It’s a welcome and diverse space with supportive individuals that strive towards a collective goal.”

“Community, to me, is less about where we gather and more about how we make each other feel once we do. It’s the promise to return, to witness, to hold. And I intend to keep that promise everywhere I go.”

“The heart of what you stand for, belong to, and live to serve and represent. For me, it is the reason why I wake up in the morning to pursue medicine and my primary ‘patient’ at the end of the day.”

“Community means belonging... in the hundreds of hours I have spent volunteering, the common thread is advocating for inclusion and championing the underdog – those who cannot stand up for themselves.”

“Community is also showing up for others and advocating for people who go unheard. It's also about creating a safe space for people who need most. Whether it is online or in person, community is truly about being a part of something that is bigger than yourself.”

“Community, to me, is more than a group of people, it’s a shared heartbeat that drives us forward. It’s the space where I find strength, inspiration, and the courage to speak up and grow.”

“To me, ‘community’ means being able to share values, experiences, lifestyles, or other similarities with a group of people. Community members support one another and contribute meaningfully to the society.”

“Community, to me, is not just where you feel safe. Rather, it’s where you’re empowered to make others feel safe too. It’s built through shared effort, mutual respect, and the courage to change what no longer serves everyone.”

"‘Community’ reminds me of my Nanang's dinner table on Sunday nights…Sunday dinner has taught me that dinner only works if everyone brings something to the table, just like how a community thrives when everyone contributes.”

“To me, community means a group of people who support, uplift, and create space for one another to grow. It’s about belonging, feeling seen, heard, and valued for who you are.”

“Community involvement can mean self sacrifice for the better of those around us. Embracing the challenge and stepping into the unknown when a community member is in need. Our community is part of us and we are a part of it.”

“To me, community means one thing: accepting that in the absence of perfection, love persists. It means an unspoken vow to understand what isn’t said, listen tenderly to what is, and shape beauty from what’s been broken.”

“I truly believe that the shift from community service to community engagement is the only way to promote inspired action and lasting change.”

“I believe true community is less about receiving than you expect in return. It's more about being present for others when there's nothing to gain, and offering a place where people are seen, valued, and cared for.”

“Community resides within me and develops who I am. Community is the people, my mother and father who allowed me to live a pleasant childhood, my coach who nurtured my growth as an athlete, and my friends who were there when I struggled mentally.”

“True community is built when individuals show up as they are, bringing their distinct gifts to the table. The beauty lies in our differences—because they teach us to lean on one another, support each other, and create something far more joyful and resilient than we could alone.”

“Community is when our differences become our greatest strengths. It is a beautiful space where people from all different backgrounds and experiences come together to find common ground and work toward shared goals.”

“To me, a community is a place where I can find belonging and growth alongside other people. In my church, community served as the place where I discovered my purpose in serving with children.”