You may know Auburn, the campus, very well by now, but how well do you know Auburn, the city, by now? I moved to Auburn about six years ago. Before I was introduced to the bustling concourses within University walls, I was introduced to the town that surrounded it, what is dubbed to be the “The Loveliest Village on The Plain.”

At a very young age, I delved into the processes of decision-making in this town, from capital improvement projects, to zoning, and to private development. I became very interested in what the future of Auburn had to hold. I did not gain this interest overnight, but after a short observation of how fast my city was growing and the scary direction it was heading encouraged me to speak up. I was raised in the Magic City, Birmingham, Ala., and as I grew up I watched Metropolitan Birmingham sprawl ever outward and choke the inner core of my city more and more with traffic congestion and a soulless way a living. When I found out Auburn was the fastest growing city in the state of Alabama and the 20th fastest in the nation, I knew that soon there would be no hope and retaining the “Village attributes" that Auburn proclaims to have.

It is incredible to me when I find out that so many people don't understand their own city. Most don't know the council member who represents their district, nor the district that they live. The younger population is incredibly guilty of this. They have left the governing body to make decisions on their own, with only the presence of those who oppose.

I encouraged the youth of this town, especially our student body, to get heavily involved in what is going on around town. Everybody's voice is heard, and it would mean the world to many to hear the opinions of a younger generation who may soon be the ones in charge, as to what they would like Auburn to be. Auburn is growing fast, and downtown is building taller buildings and a plethora of new apartments. If done correctly, architecturally, these new buildings can add to the village character, and make downtown a fantastic place to live.

What do you think? It's time to get involved.