Wednesday morning, the bus to campus had a detour. In itself, this is rare, but not notable. In fact, the detour was rather routine, except for one thing: this was the driver’s first time going off route and the dispatcher’s instructions were unclear. The driver needed assistance.
In response, the day’s gathering of riders became community, functioning toward a common goal and sharing knowledge for the sake of the community. Three or four provided sufficient information for the driver to select the best route and get back on regular route as soon as possible with as little inconvenience to riders as possible. It all happened rather quickly and without incident.
In the midst of a bus ride that many of us take Monday through Friday for most of the weeks of the year, we exhibited our neighborhood nature. Group needs came first. Sharing with one another was necessary. Good will smoothed over fears, present, though minimal.
It’s People, not Place
It is rather amazing how quickly we do this: neighborhoods spring into action in an instant. The basic relations were already present, needing only to be stimulated by the moment. At the moment of need, the neighborhood sprung into action. A few offered direct assistance. Others noticed the need and expressed concern, but did not know how to respond. Some were confused as to what was going on and needed information and reassurance. A smattering in the back was unaware, lost in their interpersonal relations.
If basic relations had not been developed, if some had not shared their knowledge for the good of the community, we may have ended up far off course and late for work. But the basics were there: potential neighborhood was present.
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