1) Palmetto Pride: Oh that SC state flag and those car stickers... I have a real appreciation now for the palmetto tree and crescent moon combo. Every time I see that tree, I feel a little bit of Carolina pride. I also love the pride that born and raised South Carolinians have for their state. I have never felt that for the state of Georgia (I think I developed more Atlanta pride after I left for college), but I cannot blame anyone for being proud of SC because it is an amazing place to live.
2) THE University of South Carolina: What an outstanding university and place to study. I could talk about how much I love USC until I was blue in the face. Though this is not where I pictured myself going to school, I know that God had me go here for a reason. And, now I know what it is. I have met the greatest friends, in addition to coming to college with my best friends from high school, have grown so much as a person, and have defined my passions. This is where I am supposed to be.
GO GAMECOCKS
3) The Hispanic Community: Coming from Atlanta where, in certain areas, English is not the dominant language spoken, I was initially shocked at the lack of diversity I saw in SC. However, I was not looking in the right places. Through my church and my friend, Mary Allison, I was able to star immersing myself in the Hispanic community in West Columbia. Since last year, I have started tutoring Spanish-speaking ESL 1st grade students at BC Grammar Elementary twice a week and just recently started working with adult ESL students at Brookland United Methodist through the West Columbia Metro Hispanic Ministry. That has opened lots of doors for me learning about the struggles and injustice going on in this state. I say that not as a negative thing, but as something we all need to be aware of. This has been a blessing to me and I cannot wait to come back to SC after seminary and serve these people.
4) Columbia: It is so fun to live in the capital city!! I remember my freshman year during the primaries, we had a lot of politicians come to Columbia and the campus. Most notably, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and OPRAH, Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee. It was really fascinating to be able to experience that. I have also become more interested in local/state politics because it all takes place right in town. There have also been rallies and demonstrations in front of the state house, which is a great way to remember our freedom of speech. I also love how quaint some parts of Columbia are, like Trenholm Road and Forest Drive. Even though the weather here is brutal 7 months out of the 12, sometimes on a nice day I just drive around Columbia with my windows down and thanks God that I am here. I have found living in Columbia for four years more advantageous than I thought and it has been a real blessing to know this city so well.
Thank you, South Carolina, for touching my life.
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD" --Leviticus 19:17-19
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