I’ve always wanted to play a game: how many times can I hear the word “community” in one day? 10? 15? 30?
Community is a trademark of Azusa Pacific University; we pride ourselves on being a campus that values feeling seen, supported, and loved by the body of Christ. But what makes this feasible?
Yes, our campus has a strong foundation of faith. I hope the majority of students consistently seek to emulate the ways of Jesus Christ in love and service.
However, apart from the spiritual aspect, there is a logistical one as well.
For centuries, people have always had what is called a “third place.” This term refers to a location outside school and outside work. It’s a third, completely separate area where people can gather and feel a sense of belonging.
Ray Oldenburg, who originally coined this term, states, “In contrast to first places (home) and second places (work), a third place allows an individual to put aside their worries and concerns and simply enjoy the company and conversation around them.”
From ancient tea houses to hair salons, local diners, and bars, people have always gravitated towards places with room for meaningful connections and conversations. Ones that prove that work isn’t the only purpose or place in your life. Ones where you can feel authentic, alive, and yourself.
The show “Friends” is a prime example of this. They had their apartments and their workplaces, but think about how many vital scenes occurred in Central Perk, their local coffee shop, similar to Bob’s Burgers, Monk’s Cafe, and the hair salon in Steel Magnolias. Entertainment media uses third places to develop characters who have a purpose beyond a place where they have obligations.
Third places have slowly been dying. It is partly because of the pandemic, partly because of an emphasis on individuality, and partly because of an increased reliance on a virtual world.
Gen Z is a particular victim and perpetrator of this crime. We leave home, go to work, and come back home. We choose Instagram over going out and meeting up. When we want connections, we can’t remember where to find them. We can’t remember how to make friends. Doesn’t that feel lonely?
The Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a non-profit organization passionate about providing community opportunities, explains, “Life without community has produced, for many, a lifestyle consisting mainly of a home-to-work-and-back-again shuttle. Social well-being and psychological health depend upon community.”
This psychological health includes anxiety and depression trends, which have skyrocketed within Gen Z.
To counter addiction to technology, we’re often told, “Just go outside and meet people!” This is great advice…but then what?
Having a third place requires consistency. Yes, it’s fun to explore and experience plenty of diverse settings. However, an authentic third space means that the barista knows “your usual,” that the janitor remembers your name, or that you’re part of something bigger than yourself, where you’re known outside of your obligations and responsibilities.
PPS continues to explain how, “Conversation is the main activity, and the mood is playful. Strangers are welcome, and there are regulars who feel a piece of themselves is rooted in the space. They enjoy the same feelings of warmth, possession, and belonging as they would in their own homes.”
Apart from simply enjoying a pleasant atmosphere, the Shanker Institute has conducted research that scientifically proves the benefits of having a third place.
It states, “Research shows that third places help students foster positive associations towards school and academic responsibilities by helping them gain confidence in their abilities. These positive associations, in turn, help students build self-confidence and efficacy, playing a vital role in keeping them engaged in what they are learning.”
This self-confidence is sown through connecting with positive role models, growing in social skills, and connecting meaningfully with challenges.
Apart from personal benefits, third places also benefit our culture on a larger scale.
The University of Chicago explains that, “For Americans, third places are where we can both affirm our own identities and build empathy for identities different from our own.”
Whether noticed or not, workplaces and schools are often disproportionate within racial, gender, religious, or political demographics. Third places allow us to meet people we connect with, but also introduce us to a wider perspective and meet people who may not be present in our common spaces.
They go on to describe how “We can learn about the experiences of those different from us and use our resources to support our community, standing in solidarity no matter if we share an identity or not. Third places make us feel as if we belong to a society bigger than ourselves.”
Perhaps the lack of third places today can partially account for the amount of discourse and lack of patience and empathy within American culture. We can perfectly formulate a routine where we refrain from interaction unless it’s sought out.
When we look at APU, we should appreciate how willing our University is to emphasize communal public areas to facilitate connection. Through D-Groups, clubs, or a passion for local churches, APU intentionally creates third places for its students to reap the benefits and foster a community of diverse thinkers.
As you think about going home, graduating, or where you are now, ask yourself: do you have a third space? Are you setting yourself up to meet people and join something meaningful? Are you giving yourself opportunities to connect with people that you otherwise would not have within your classes or workplace?
Third places are key in preventing burnout and maintaining a sense of purpose and drive. Have a normal study spot and a regular Bible study. Join a D group! Have a designated coffee shop. Put the phone down. Find a place where you’re not a student, and you’re not an employee, but you’re also interacting with the outside world. Remind yourself that there is more to life than being in bed, at class, or at work. Remind yourself that conversations are important, and a consistent environment can help foster them!
Both on and off campus, there are plenty of opportunities to plug into an alternative space.
On campus, plenty of students spend their time on Coug Walk, in The Commons, and on Trin Lawn. The Dining Hall is also a frequent social area.
Benjamin Doerkson (‘27) explains, “It’s a really good place to meet students. There’s other food places like the Den and the Grill but the Dining Hall in particular is not just food. I really like how I get to hang out here and see all of my different friends throughout the day.”
Off campus, churches, libraries, and coffee shops are fan favorites.
Farah Arian (‘28) frequently spends time at San Fernando, Azusa’s recently implemented coffee shop. She comments, “They [the staff] are not just there to make coffee but to talk and create a place where lively conversations can occur.”
To quote the popular phrase, in order to have a village, you have to be a villager. We must be active participants in our surrounding local area, not just onlookers. Let us be brave, outgoing, and intentional with seeking community!