You know, living with people is hard sometimes. This is not news. Whether it’s family or friends or complete strangers, living with other people is naturally stressful, and difficult a lot of the time.
So why do we Co-Op? Why do we move into houses with 16 to 30 people, share common space and food and work?
I’ve been asked that question countless times from my non Co-oping friends. “why not just get an apartment?” they ask when I complain about missed labor. “Why not try a dorm for a semester?” when I groan about having to cook for 16 other people.
And the answer, I feel, is simple.
Because it’s the best time of my life. Because living with other people is hard, yes, but it’s also eye opening and wonderful and fun. Because it’s helped me discover new music and new foods, new movies and books and who, as cliche as it sounds, I really am.
I’m a home owner who spent 10 hours painting her living room Bright Green. I’m a Board rep who sits through 4 hour meetings in a house with no central air in the Texas summer. I’m the girl with the rabbits and the pokemon VHSs and the Disney movies who likes to take naps on the sofa in the living room. I am so many things now that I never was in High School. One year out of my parent’s house and I’m a voting member on the Board of Directors for a multi-million dollar non-profit corporation. What dorm or apartment of Sorority could offer me that?
I Co-Op because it’s fun and empowering and I love the people here, even when it’s hard sometimes.
But that’s just me.
So I want to know, ICC, why do YOU Co-Op? Leave your answer in the comments, or in a Blog Post of your own.
-Peace out.
Rosie Croteau, Royal House.