We need to decolonize our understanding of the word “community” and redefine its meaning not only in theory but most importantly, in practice. When a teacher orders their students to introduce themselves to each other before class, that is not building community. When a teacher asks why we are so serious, it is not building community. It’s just negging.

I haven’t had a drop of alcohol in over six months now.

Since I started drinking at the age of 18, I can’t remember the last time I went over a week without drinking. College normalized this and then working full-time (especially in marketing and sales) supported this behavior continuing.