Communities of Interest

On a daily basis we seek connections, whether its calling a friend up to see how she/he is doing, emailing a colleague to grab a cup of coffee after work, or just chatting with the individual standing in line with you at the store to buy your groceries (My all time favorite). As we delve in more and more to cultivate and explore these social relationships, we learn more information about these individuals and the interests and passions which shape their lives.


Online communities of interest provide a venue for users to share interests collaboratively with like-minded individuals. Whether it's getting the latest on a local alumni College Association or exploring the pitfalls and danger of a downhill trail to a local mountain bike group, these communities foster connections, linkages and camaraderie among the participants; where like minded people can commingle online and share their experiences.

I recently joined a communities of interest website last week which has been of great interest. During my middle school years I had the opportunity to live overseas with my parents when my father was working with the IAEA. As a result of this wonderful experience, I had the opportunity to attended Lomas High School in Mexico City. Lomas was a private school based in the Reforma section of Mexico City which had a very international flair. Well, the school year ended and we all moved on. My family and I eventually moved back to the States, but I never forget the rich friendship and wonderful learning experience I encountered while I was at Lomas.

Fast forward 20 plus years, and as I am surfing the Internet I came across Lomas High School's Alumni Web site (www.lomashighschool.com). What a great find. I immediate signed up for their online news feed of information and going on's with all the ex Lomasario's. This has been a great link to the past on what others have been doing since their time at Lomas. I have had the opportunity to reach out and participant in this community of interest. It has been a way for me to reconnect with others that had similar experiences at Lomas and share my input.

Participanting in communities of interest is a wonderful way to share common goals with new participants and create connections with like minded people.