We Island Fellow are asked to submit monthly reports to the Island Institute. Largely, the purpose of these reports is to give updates on current projects and to relay stories about life on an island. One question we are asked to address each month assesses our integration into the community. It is presumed that, as a newcomer, life on an island may not come easily.
As a second year Fellow, this has become a difficult question to answer. I no longer think about the act of “integration in the community” in itself. At this point last year, I was making a conscious effort to become part of the island community. I would attend every meeting, every potluck, every fitness class and every school event possible. I was trying to fill my otherwise empty social schedule. However, not long after I arrived, I found myself trying to juggle too many engagements at once.
I think that one giant misconception about moving to an island is the fear of being known as “the person from away.” People have not forgotten that I am from away. That’s never going to change.
However, I believe most island residents with whom I am acquainted know that I feel strongly about making an impact on the island. They know that I came here with intentions of building a life for myself and making my work matter. If you show the community that you care, the rest is easy.
Since arriving to the island in August 2011, I have made it clear to the community that I truly love the island; that I want to be here, and I choose to be here.
In my role at the school, I have had many students ask how I ended up on the island. When they hear that of all the Maine islands, I chose Islesboro, I can see a shift in their attitude. While some students find it hard to believe that any person would choose to come here alone, I know that others see it as a sign that a young person really can stay and work on an island. I want to reinforce to the students that Islesboro is a great place to be.
What I am trying to get at is this: I do not need to try to integrate myself into the community, because I feel like I have become a true community member. The people of Islesboro have made me feel welcome and valued.
I have made wonderful friendships, which I intend to maintain long after I leave the island. I have a group of women that I can call when I need a weekend distraction, when I want to go out walking, or when I just don’t feel like eating dinner alone. I have friends that are more than happy to take me out fishing for a day, teach me how to go quahogging, or help me plow the driveway after a snowstorm. I feel like this island suits me, and I will certainly be sad when it comes time for my fellowship to end.
Alexandra Hodges is an Island Fellow on Islesboro through AmeriCorps and the Island Institute.