Growing up in Caldwell County, I was convinced 'elsewhere' was the answer. Cue the teenage angst and promises to escape. Wilmington? Nope. Atlanta? I stayed in trouble. Then, a near six-month cross country adventure in my early twenties changed everything. I discovered two undeniable truths about home, and about myself: Every single thing I hated about this place was everywhere. And everything I loved could only be found here. This is where I belong, dedicated to illuminating the best of our community and working to make it even brighter.