Section 2.1: My Journey Begins

Two and a half years ago, at the age of 17, I decided to conclude my scholarship journey with the singular goal of visiting an ecovillage. My fascination with ecovillages began at the tender age of 10, and since then, this remarkable concept has lingered in my thoughts. Over the years, I even fantasized about establishing my own community, jotting down ideas as they came to me without much consideration. However, when I chose to leave school, I recognized it as a “Now or Never” opportunity. I was determined to immerse myself in the realm of intentional communities, and that's precisely what I did.

Section 2.2: Learning and Growth

During my two-month internship at Whole Village, I have gained more knowledge than I ever anticipated. I have delved into topics like soil health, permaculture, food forests, and medicinal plants, but I've also had the chance to step into a leadership role, mentoring three fellow interns. The eagerness of the residents to help me evolve into a better version of myself is truly remarkable. I’ve never encountered individuals so willing to respond to my endless inquiries. When I expressed my ambition to create my own community, they generously offered references, books, ideas, and reflective questions. I can confidently say that the people here rank among the finest I have ever met.

Section 2.3: Room for Improvement

Whole Village is not without its imperfections. Like any community, it faces its own set of challenges. Given my limited two-month stay, I can't claim to have seen everything this place has to offer; I still feel as though I’m in the “honeymoon” phase. However, I have noticed certain tendencies during my time here. One such observation is the inclination to avoid conflict. Having visited two ecocommunities and reflecting on human behavior, I believe this is a widespread issue. Living in a community inevitably brings interpersonal challenges, and I don't think Whole Village is unique in facing these situations. Nevertheless, I believe there is room for growth.

To foster better communication regarding conflict, I propose engaging activities that cultivate bonds among community members. These should be non-work-related events that can facilitate emotional connections. I organized a game night a few weeks back for just this purpose, and the feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive. I believe that hosting more events like this could enhance emotional ties and potentially aid in resolving conflicts, as individuals might feel more comfortable opening up to one another.

Additionally, I have observed a universal challenge: financial constraints. While living in this community may reduce living costs, the absence of a profit-driven business model means discussions often revolve around what can or cannot be accomplished due to limited income.