Growing up
in a small town was always a comfort to me. Everyone knew each other and could
rely on one another for help or little encouraging words. This love for a tight
knit community that truly facilitated relationships led me to choose Wartburg
College for my undergraduate studies. It was perfect, Wartburg gave me the
opportunity to meet hundreds of new people and see new experiences all while
keeping the safe, friendly, and nurturing community feel that I had grown so used
to.
Having
always associated small town with safety, moving to a city created a little
fear for me. Worries as I prepared for my semester at Wartburg West varied from
as miniscule as wondering what would happen if I got lost in traffic to as
extreme as if I would get mugged while walking down the street. Despite my
initial unease I have come to realize that Denver is one of the friendliest and
welcoming areas that I have ever encountered.
During one
of my first days here in Denver a couple of friends and I began exploring the
bus system. While on the bus I noticed everyone was extremely kind, (even the
bus drivers, who I give all the right in the world to be cranky seeing as they
drive in traffic all day with such a massive vehicle!) people would quickly
give up their seats with a big smile or would just communicate with one another
to pass the time. One moment that especially stood out to me was as I was
loading the bus at the busy intersection of Broadway and Colfax, I dropped my
wallet without noticing. Soon a homeless woman was chasing after me with my
wallet saying that I dropped it in the snow! In that moment I realized that
maybe everyone in the city wasn’t as closed off and unfriendly as common
stereotypes suggest.
Within the
past month I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most diverse people
and hear some amazing life stories. I have come to realize that Denver is a
city filled with kindness. Acts of warmth such as a woman paying for my morning
coffee, authentic conversations with complete strangers, or even courteous
drivers in rush hour traffic have truly restored my faith in people on a daily
basis. Coming to Denver has given me the opportunity as a small town girl to
see that no matter where you go in the world there will be good people near. I
have been lucky to be surrounded by such unconditional kindness and
thoughtfulness throughout my experience thus far.
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