How long have you lived in Cleveland??

I have lived here for 10+ years.

Where are you originally from or where else have you lived?

I haved lived in Columbia, Missouri and Washington DC.

Why did you choose to move back to Cleveland?

I left Northeast Ohio at the age of 17 with plans of never returning. I was entering my freshman year of college at the University of Missouri-Columbia. My desire was to earn a degree in broadcast journalism and then embark on the journey of moving to different cities every few years to grow as a television reporter and anchor.

However, life threw me a major detour. After completing two successful years at Mizzou, I became really unhealthy and knew I needed help but I was too proud to return home. My mother became my hero and made the difficult, but necessary, decision to pull me out of school and bring me back to Northeast Ohio. This move gave me a chance to reset, recover and heal. After taking a few months off of school, I transferred to Kent State University and fell in love with the campus, the program and the people. At Kent, I found myself, my calling and who I was placed on this earth to be. Shortly before graduation I made the decision to stay in Northeast Ohio and get creative with pursuing my career goal of becoming a television news reporter and anchor.

Which neighborhood do you currently live in and what are your favorite parts about it?

I currently live in Bedford. My favorite parts of my community are the unique shops and festivals in downtown Bedford and the Bedford Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.

What is your favorite part of living in Cleveland?

The people that live here!

How does Cleveland compare to other cities where you’ve lived?

Cleveland is amazing! The area has so much to offer. The food scene, arts and entertainment, parks, trails, Lake Erie … there is something special for everyone to enjoy! Northeast Ohio is just beautiful to me.

Where would you take a newcomer to show them the best that Cleveland has to offer?

I would take a newcomer on a tour of downtown Cleveland to experience the entertainment district, the lake at Edgewater, restaurants, Public Square and of course take a photo in front of the Cleveland sign!

What was the most interesting misconception(s) you heard about Cleveland when you lived elsewhere? What did you discover when living here that changed your opinion?

This misconception isn’t interesting or new but it’s the thought that Cleveland will always be the mistake on the lake. Of course that’s not true! We are a gem!

What would be your message/advice to other young professionals thinking of relocating to Cleveland?

Keep an open mind. Don’t let old narratives about Cleveland make you believe that our city is something it’s not. Explore, engage and have fun!