Before I moved to college, I lived in one city my entire life. That place is Springfield, Ohio. It's placed between the cities of Columbus and Dayton on the western side of Ohio and has a population of about 60,000 people.
Most people who are familiar with Springfield are probably asking why I'm writing about a city that has too many problems to count. In fact, back in 2012 it was voted the "unhappiest city in America." Yes, the violent crime rate is the highest it's been in over a decade. Yes, there's a serious drug problem. And no, it's not a very wealthy city. But I can assure you, there will be problems anywhere you live.
Springfield wasn't always a hot mess. In the 1900's, Springfield earned the nickname "The Champion City." What is now known as the "4-H Club" was established in Springfield by A.B. Graham in 1902, which was called a "Boys and Girls Agricultural Club" back then. Springfield was also the first city in Ohio to elect a black mayor. Also, in the 1900's Springfield had 10 automobile companies running out of it. All of those companies created a lot of jobs and increased the population. The population was at it's highest in the 1960's and has been decreasing ever since.
Aside from Springfield's pretty great history, why would anyone want to live there? Why would I be proud to be from there? I can say with confidence, I'm not the only one to be proud of my hometown. There's actually a pretty well known person who grew up in Springfield that still believes in it. That person is John Legend (as you know him). He recently came back home to open the John Legend Theater and said that he wouldn't be who he is without Springfield and the opportunities he received while growing up. There are plenty of other talented people that came from Springfield. A few being, Justin Chambers from Grey's Anatomy, Jason Collier who was a successful basketball player that was taken way too soon, and Braxton Miller who was very successful playing with The Ohio State football team and now plays football for the Texans.
Downtown used to be booming and busy all the time in the 60's and 70's and they're starting to put businesses back in downtown. The downtown area is the best it's been since I've been alive. They've put in so many new, small businesses that have so far been nothing but successful.
Springfield is also home to Wittenberg University. Wittenberg is a wonderful liberal arts college towards the middle of the city. I actually almost attended Wittenberg, but decided it would be better to get some distance to experience things on my own.
The city school system in Springfield is also pretty good for a city school system. It's not the best, but it gave me so many opportunities that I know I wouldn't have had if I went to school somewhere else. The schools are also jam packed with professionals that care about the students.
I've been able to see Springfield grow over the last 21 years and I can say there isn't anywhere else I would've rather grown up. There's hope for my home.
