By nature, we are social beings. Most of us do not live in isolation. We live in and belong to a community: our neighbourhood.
We are also members of communities at our workplace, school, college, university, houses of worship, voluntary professional organisations and clubs.
Therefore, we should always strive for and treasure unity in our community.
We should seek ways to contribute to our community’s wellness and progress while minimising its weaknesses.
The strength, vibrancy and vitality of a community are a reflection of the commitment of its members.
There is an anonymous quote worth pondering: “None of us in ourselves and in isolation can become what we have in us to become.”
Each of us is blessed with talents.
To have these talents tapped and manifested, we need appraisals, approvals, appreciation and even criticisms of others in our community.
I remember when I was a school head, I encouraged students who were better off academically to help their poorer classmates.
They found out, for example, how certain topics in Mathematics were misunderstood and misinterpreted and, therefore, led to wrong answers.
This in turn had improved the brighter students’ grasp of the subject and increased their test scores.
I can attest that when I was in school, it was always those who had helped others who were the top students.
Parents should take note of this and guide their children accordingly.
This is, after all, basic community living.
Love is the visible mark. A community of love does not just happen; it must be nurtured.
Liong Kam Chong
Seremban, Negri Sembilan