©Illustration by Sofía Alvarez
I moved to the Netherlands from Canada to pursue my studies in Engineering and jump-start my career. Little did I know, however, that the Netherlands were rated the most unfriendly country for Expats in Europe. And sure enough, it was (and still is) hard to be integrated and make friends with the Dutchies. But you know what made it worse? Covid. I could have never foreseen just how isolated I would become after moving here, to the Netherlands.
Covid was particularly horrible because of the isolation mandated by the government for one part, and because of the already unfriendly essence of the country. It was already hard enough to be away from home and my culture, but I also had to be extra creative if I wanted to fulfil the basic social needs of human nature.
That's when I turned toward communities. If I wasn't going to find support from my Dutch housemates or classmates, I was going to find it from communities I could associate myself with. But there was a little problem... There was none in my town. Because again, this is the least friendly country for expats in Europe.
"Building and joining communities was not only a way to reconnect with others but it was a way to reconnect with myself too"
"Easy fix!" I told myself, "I'll just start one". And as simple as it sounds, I did! Along with a friend of mine, we took to WhatsApp group chats that we were now going to be hosting "Meet-Ups" in the park every week. Everyone was welcome to join us for a beer and a friendly time to break away from the covid isolation.
Unsurprisingly, I wasn't the only one facing isolation, and many people found solace in the meet-up. The group grew rapidly, starting with only 7 people, then 20, then 50, then 100, then 300, and before we knew it, we reached 1000 people in less than 2 years. We organize all sorts of events, from game nights to movie nights, parties and so much more.
This community has been a safe ground for people from anywhere, with any background. It has been a safe space to find friends and connect with others. It gave space for everyone to be social again. It never really occurred to me before the meet-up just how crucial socializing is for our overall health. We got used to isolation because of covid, and somehow grew fearsome of socializing.
If I learned something, it is that you cannot do well in life if you don't have all your basic human needs covered. Building and joining communities was not only a way to reconnect with others but it was a way to reconnect with myself too. Communities are there for us, and we should embrace them and seek to grow with them. And even if there's none around you right now, there's nothing stopping you to start one.
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