Coming home evokes new perspectives

Written in association with the Cleveland Daily Banner.

Returning to Cleveland after a year away at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, has been an eye-opening experience. 

Growing up here since I was six months old, I've always known Cleveland as a town where everyone waves hello, where familiar faces are a staple at every corner store, and where our community's heart beats steadily in the rhythms of small-town life. 

Yet, as I drive through the streets I’ve known so well, I’m struck by a paradox: everything has changed, and yet nothing has.

The first thing I noticed was the construction. 

The road closures and detour signs guide pedestrians and motorists through the bustling construction zones reshaping Cleveland.

New buildings are springing up, altering the skyline I've always associated with home. 

Some of the places I frequented have been replaced. The grocery store where I used to shop with my mom has since been vacated, waiting for another establishment to take its place.

The vacant field that once brought a comforting sense of open space is now bustling with construction crews, transforming it into a new development and altering the familiar landscape.

Change is inevitable, I know. 

Cleveland has emerged as one of Tennessee's top 20 metropolitan cities in terms of population growth, boasting a growth rate of +16.9% from 2010-2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

With the population booming, so too are the fresh business ventures to accommodate it.

It's a sign of growth, progress, and a thriving community. The new businesses bring fresh opportunities and a revitalized economy, something that benefits us all. 

But amidst the flurry of construction and the scent of fresh paint, there’s still a sense of loss. 

The places that defined my childhood, that shaped my understanding of community, are disappearing one by one.

Yet, amid this transformation, some things remain steadfast. The warmth and spirit of our town has not changed. 

During the Christmas parade, the community still gathers shoulder to shoulder along Inman Street, savoring cups of hot chocolate and sharing in the festive spirit together.

The annual Apple Festival, a highlight of my youth, still brings together families for fun and celebration. 

The essence of what makes Cleveland special is still very much alive.

However, there is also an undercurrent of change in our core values, influenced by the influx of new residents. 

Sometimes, I wonder if I saw Cleveland through rose-colored glasses as a child, or if the town's character is truly shifting. 

The sense of community that once felt unshakeable now feels more dynamic, as new perspectives and lifestyles blend with our long-standing traditions.

One thing I’ve learned while being away at university is that this change in core values is not necessarily a bad thing. 

Cleveland should be open to embracing this kind of change. It brings diversity, new ideas, and the potential for growth that can strengthen our community in unexpectedly positive ways.

Returning home after being away has given me a fresh perspective. 

I see Cleveland not just as the town where I grew up, but as a place that’s evolving while holding onto its essence. 

The new and the old coexist here in a delicate balance, reminding me that progress doesn’t have to mean forgetting our roots.

Cleveland is changing, but it’s still home — and there’s something profoundly comforting about that.