Notes

Dan Scott full story to find engaging people:
It all started during a particularly challenging period of my life. I had recently moved to a new city for work, and the transition was harder than I had anticipated. The unfamiliar surroundings, combined with the absence of familiar faces and routines, left me feeling isolated and in need of a sense of community. In my quest for connection, I turned to the one place where I knew I could find people with similar interests: Facebook.
Logging into Facebook after months of inactivity felt like reconnecting with an old friend. As I scrolled through my newsfeed, filled with updates from friends and family, I realized that my goal was to find a group where I could feel at home. With a deep breath, I navigated to the search bar at the top of the page and started typing keywords that represented my interests.
Initially, I started with broad terms like "new city," "community groups," and "social clubs." The results were overwhelming, with hundreds of groups, each with its own unique focus. It became clear that I needed to refine my search to find a group that resonated with me on a deeper level.
Thinking about my hobbies and passions, I decided to look for groups that catered to my specific interests. As a nature enthusiast, I typed in "hiking groups in [my new city]." The results were more targeted this time, showing several groups dedicated to hiking and outdoor activities. I clicked on the first few groups to check their descriptions, member count, and recent activity.
One group, in particular, caught my eye: "Nature Explorers of New York." The group had a moderate number of members, which suggested a close-knit community, and the posts were recent and engaging. Photos of group hikes, tips on local trails, and discussions about upcoming events filled the page. It seemed like the perfect place to start.
Before hitting the "Join" button, I read through the group's rules and guidelines to ensure it was a good fit. The group emphasized respect, inclusivity, and a love for nature—values that aligned perfectly with mine. Feeling confident, I submitted a request to join, answering a few membership questions about my hiking experience and what I hoped to gain from the group.
The waiting game began. Would they accept me? Would I fit in? These questions swirled in my mind as I anxiously checked my notifications. After what felt like an eternity (but was probably just a day or two), I received a notification that I had been accepted into the group.
My journey didn’t end with joining the group; it was just the beginning. I introduced myself in the welcome thread, sharing a bit about my background, my love for hiking, and my excitement about exploring new trails. The responses were warm and welcoming. Group members commented with tips for beginners, invitations to upcoming hikes, and even offers to meet up for coffee before the next big group event.
Over the next few weeks, I became more active in the group. I participated in discussions, shared my own experiences, and posted photos from my solo hikes. The sense of belonging I felt was incredible. I wasn’t just a member of a Facebook group; I was part of a community that shared my passion and supported each other.
As I became more comfortable in the main hiking group, I noticed mentions of subgroups focused on specific interests within the broader hiking community. There were subgroups for trail running, bird watching, and even a book club for nature lovers. Intrigued, I decided to explore these subgroups to see if there were other facets of my interests that I could delve into.
I joined the bird watching subgroup first. Although I was a novice, the members were enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and experiences. They organized weekly bird watching walks and posted photos of rare sightings. With their encouragement, I invested in a beginner’s guide to bird watching and a decent pair of binoculars.
The connections I made online soon translated into real-life friendships. The group organized regular meetups, from casual coffee gatherings to more structured hikes. I attended my first group hike with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Meeting people in person added a new dimension to our interactions, and the shared experience of conquering a challenging trail together created a strong bond.
I met saw a girl who i liked during that first hike (i (Dan) am still single). She was relatively new to the group as well, and we quickly discovered our shared interests extended beyond hiking. We started exploring the city together, trying out new restaurants, and even took a weekend trip to a nearby national park. Through the Facebook group, I had found not just a community, but a true friend.
As I settled into my new city and became more integrated into the group, I wanted to give back to the community that had welcomed me with open arms. I volunteered to help organize events, contributing my ideas and energy to planning hikes and social gatherings. My involvement deepened my sense of belonging and allowed me to make a positive impact on the group.
One of my favorite projects was organizing a "Leave No Trace" workshop, where we educated members on sustainable hiking practices. The event was a huge success, with many members expressing their appreciation and commitment to preserving the natural beauty we all cherished.
Looking back on my journey, I realized how much finding this Facebook group had enriched my life. It had transformed my experience in a new city, turning what could have been a lonely period into a time of growth and connection. Through the group, I discovered new hobbies, made lasting friendships, and even found opportunities to contribute to a cause I cared about.
The power of online communities lies in their ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, united by common interests and passions. My experience is just one of many, but it underscores the importance of seeking out and engaging with these communities. Whether you’re moving to a new place, looking to explore a hobby, or simply seeking connection, there’s likely a group out there waiting to welcome you.
As I continue to explore my new city and deepen my connections, I am grateful for the role Facebook played in this journey. The group remains an integral part of my life, a constant source of support, inspiration, and adventure. And while the city is no longer new and unfamiliar, the excitement of discovery continues—both in the trails I hike and the friendships I cherish.
So, if you ever find yourself feeling lost or in need of community, remember that the digital world can be a gateway to real-world connections. Don’t hesitate to reach out, join a group, and embark on your own journey. You never know where it might lead you.

Dan Scott

1-2 words was not enough and i couldn't fill it in the facebook form. Hopes make sence. I am seriously looking for growing my business for the future.