How a Community Can Impact a Teen

I open with a fictionalized story based on the lives of young people and families from Appalachia, and other rural communities I knew growing up or met in young adulthood. While the character is not real, the experiences are, and the story illustrates how community shapes a teen’s positive development and ability to thrive. 

Jaden went to the trail from his road to the school, the late-afternoon sun dancing on the hills and giving him the comfort of the familiarity of the land he called home, Appalachia. As he went past Mrs. Wilson’s house, he waved, and she paused from sweeping her front porch and called out, “Your mama told me you have a big test tomorrow, good luck, and make sure you study.” Jaden was slightly embarrassed but grinned, knowing that she cared. Even his neighbors kept an eye on him, and it didn’t feel like pressure, but belonging.

Once Jaden got to school, he joined his basketball team in the locker room. Before going to the court to begin practice, Coach Turner asked him whether his grandfather was recovering well from his recent surgery. After practice, Jaden stopped at his aunt’s house to help stack wood, not because it was a required chore, but because it’s what everyone did: help each other.

Walking home as evening fell and the air cooled, Jaden felt a mix of emotions: the freedom and watchfulness that defined his world. He was becoming more independent, but he was never alone.

Many people think they understand life in rural Appalachia, but they only get part of the story. Movies, shows, books, and news outlets often show Appalachia simplistically and falsely as being a place riddled with addiction, poverty, and incarceration. Others believe the stereotypes, unaware that they are missing the real truth: this region is full of strong families, caring adults, and communities that raise their children together. “Jaden’s story” has much to teach us about the strengths of the rural Appalachian community.

One of the biggest strengths in Appalachian teen life is the sense of responsibility that comes from contributing to a community. Helping with chores such as stacking wood, watching younger family members, or helping a neighbor with their farm, teaches teenagers that their actions make a difference to their family and communities; that they matter. Through these community contributions, Appalachian teens grow up knowing they are an important part of their community. They are needed, and this sense of responsibility becomes a foundation for adulthood.

Community involvement is also a huge part of how teens learn and grow. Within rural Appalachia, neighbors, teachers, extended family, coaches, and church members all play a role in raising teens. Everyone in the community takes on the role of a parent by looking out for each other’s kids, being helpful and supportive, and stepping in when needed. Teens know that they are not alone and have the safety net of trusted adults. Teens have to think about their choices and be accountable, because everyone knows them. Showing respect extends beyond one’s household. Shared responsibility between adults and a reliable support system helps teens feel important and cared for.

It is important to note that connecting with all teens in a community benefits everyone. Extended family, neighbors, and local mentors can build safe, meaningful relationships with teens. These relationships emphasize that there are no specific criteria a teen has to meet in order to experience a sense of belonging.

Another part of how teens grow up in Appalachia is the bond between generations. Appalachian adults share their stories, wisdom, and skills with teens to help them understand their community, where they come from, and who they are. This kind of mentorship learning may not happen in the classroom; it happens while preparing a family meal with grandparents, helping an aunt or uncle mend a fence, or listening to an older neighbor’s story while stopping by for a visit. Bonds formed during these small teaching moments help teens develop a sense of identity, as well as patience, humility, and steady nerves.

Mentorship centered within a teen’s community provides many benefits, such as guidance during difficult life moments. When that mentor is an adult within their community who understands the social and cultural expectations, it creates additional trust between the teen and the adult. This perspective helps explain why mentorship from trusted community adults is especially meaningful for Appalachian teens, even when its value is often overlooked by outsiders.

Appalachian teens grow up knowing how to handle challenges because they have space to try, fail, and try again, with the security of a strong support system. They learn to manage their emotions, adapt, and build confidence to face life’s challenges. They are allowed to make mistakes and learn how to remain strong, connected, and grounded as they recover from errors. Ultimately, rural Appalachian teens thrive through this strong sense of connectedness.

The untold stories of Appalachian families and communities show that they have a powerful approach to raising teens. They shape young people who care for others, work hard, and stay connected to their roots. Instead of allowing the negative stories and experiences shown in movies or television shows to incorrectly shape our views, we should focus on the strengths of Appalachian people. The way they allow their teens to develop into young adults meets the needs of their community and location but offers so much from which the rest of our nation can learn. We should allow Appalachians and other rural communities  to share their wisdom, as we have much to learn from them about how a sense of belonging positions youth to  thrive. Their involvement with their neighbors fosters within them a sense of responsibility and purpose, ensuring continued  community involvement and meaningful adult-youth connections.

This article was written by Morgan Tamayo. Morgan is an army combat veteran with her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Tampa and her M.A. in Applied Sociology from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Family Sciences and Human Development from Montclair State University.