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By Macy Waddle
Each summer, the McConnell Center assigns a reading for all scholars which we discuss at our annual August retreat. This summer we were assigned Jayber Crow by Kentucky author Wendell Berry. This being my first time reading Berry, I found his writing style interesting, and his viewpoints on community and place intrigued me to pursue more of his work. This brief trip down a rabbit hole led me to a 1988 lecture for the Iowa Humanities department. On community and local culture, Berry says this,
“A good local culture, in one of its most important functions, is a collection of the memories, ways, and skills necessary for the observance, within the bounds of domesticity, of this natural law. If the local culture cannot preserve and improve the local soil, then, as both reason and history inform us, the local community will decay and perish, and the work of soil-building will be resumed by nature.”
For Berry, community is deeply rooted in history, the history of those who made the place and the physical history of the land itself. One must work preserve both the abstract and physical history as well as cultivate a future where the local culture can continue to thrive. Keeping my research very brief, I placed Berry’s views in the back of my mind as I began my junior year. I was not reminded again of Berry in local culture until I recently listened to Secretary of State Adams seminar on why you should read Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam. Sec. Adams explains that Putnam writes that they years of the early and mid 20th century were largely civil for the average American and a big part of that was because this was when the US was the most social. He explains this through the concept of bowling leagues; during this time, people from different walks of life would gather in common places, like bowling leagues, and form connections with those they probably would not have otherwise. With technological advancements and increased global interconnectedness, it has become far easier for people to isolate themselves and create echo chambers with those similar to themselves.
Adams goes on to explain the political and societal implications of this increased social isolation, but what really intrigued me about Sec. Adams talk was the way he spoke about community in college. He goes on to explain that living in the dorms at UofL provided him with a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse group of individuals, fostering a sense of community and belonging. He emphasizes that these experiences were instrumental in shaping his understanding of the importance of engaging with others from different backgrounds. This resonates with Berry's perspective on the significance of community and local culture, highlighting the value of preserving and nurturing these connections in our increasingly isolated society. As an active member of the student government association, I also have come to realize the importance of on campus events and programming, because these are spaces where diverse groups can create community. College is one of the few times in life when you are surrounded by so many individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and connect. Listening to Sec. Adams' talk made me realize why so many college goers reference these years as the best of their life. The nature of college life for traditional students lends itself to natural community building through both Putnam’s and Berry’s definitions.
However, just being in this environment isn’t enough—you must actively engage. Whether it’s through student organizations, campus events, or simply taking the time to connect with those around you, college is a unique opportunity to foster meaningful relationships and broaden your perspective. As I continue my time at UofL, I hope to be more intentional about embracing these moments, knowing that the connections and experiences I have built now will shape not only my college years but also the kind of community member I become in the future. With just three semesters left at this university, I vow to take care of my physical environment, preserve the history of what has been, to say yes more, and to continue to find comfort in company.
Macy Waddle is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2026. She is studying political science and Spanish.