Like many people, I appreciated where I came from but swore I would never come back and be on to "bigger and better things." But what's it like when those "bigger and better" things bring you right back?

My high school experience was not perfect. Of course, it is never like in the movies and if it was people say you "peaked in high school."

Going off that idea, I went off to college and swore off all the negative things I thought about my hometown. I was soured to it.

Then, I moved to Grand Rapids and it was like Disney World. I had always wanted to live in a big city, I constantly said my dream was to move to Chicago someday, so Grand Rapids seemed like the perfect stepping stone.

I truly would not be who I am or where I am today without GVSU or the things I experienced in Grand Rapids and I am so thankful for that.

Now, I was always the type of person who said to never change your dreams or your goals for a relationship. However, some people truly are worth it and if they are, you find a way to make both happen.

Just like living in Grand Rapids taught me a lot about life in general, I also had a lot of self-discovery...wanting to do radio and dreaming of being a co-host today is one thing I realized I wanted most out of this life.

So, when I got the opportunity to be a host here in Lansing at WMMQ, I realized truly how perfect things really work out.

Being in Lansing brought me close enough to Jackson, where my boyfriend and my family lives and being a co-host, it really just makes me feel like I am where I am meant to be.

It made me realize that once you let go of all your stereotypes, all of your unnecessary negative feelings towards a place, it can be home again.

Growing up or being successful does not depend on "getting out" but "getting away" can definitely sometimes help.

Getting away and seeing there is more in this world than just the people and ideas you have always been surrounded by is a good thing. Then, when you make your way back, you are more educated, you are more confident and you are more ready and willing to accept new things that come your way.

So yes, I do and I continue to apologize for the way I acted towards my hometown and can now appreciate how it made me become who I am today.

I am so excited to explore Lansing as another "home away from home" and beyond excited to get to know Jackson again.

Now that I am "officially" no longer a part-time resident of Grand Rapids and changing my address on all my forms, documents, etc. I can now say it feels so great to put "Jackson, MI" in the city spot.

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