Going Back To School? Community May Be The Medicine | Bridgett Strickler

Core Argument - The speech emphasizes the transformative power of community, particularly for "comebackers" - individuals returning to education or career paths later in life [1][4][5] - Community fosters healing, multiplies potential, and enables individuals to rewrite their personal narratives [5][6] - The speaker advocates for building and supporting communities to empower comebackers and unlock their potential [4][5] Supporting Evidence & Logic - Personal anecdotes illustrate the speaker's journey through addiction and recovery, highlighting the role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in providing support and belonging [1] - The speaker's experience pursuing an MBA at 47 demonstrates the value of community in overcoming challenges and achieving academic success [1] - The story of "H" exemplifies how community can rewrite negative self-perceptions and empower individuals to pursue education [2][3][4] - A 2024 study in the Journal of Learning Development and Higher Education is cited, showing that structured communities and peer mentorship improve student retention, grades, and overall support [1] - The State University of New York's coaching communities program is presented as a successful example of how community can enhance student outcomes [6] Key Attributes of a Good Community - A good community offers acceptance and support, allowing individuals to be vulnerable and authentic [7] - A good community provides consistent engagement and reminds individuals of their value and importance [7] - A good community helps individuals rewrite their stories by offering new perspectives and beliefs [4][7][8]