Carolina in my Mind

Fireflies flitting through the forest as the sun goes down.

Mist pouring off the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The roar of the waves crashing into the Outer banks.

Sweet smiles of everyone in town, smell of southern cooking, chimes of church bells.

Sweet Tarheel Pride.

North Carolina.

My birthplace.

I love this state, it frustrates me tremendously, but I critique out of love. I rail against the general assembly, culture of nuanced racism, and environmental policy, because I want North Carolina to be a better form of itself.

I can’t thank this state and people enough for forming me into the man I am today. My family, friends, church, and Chapel Hill transformed me into a confident, nature granola, progressive, religious activist.

And today is my last day in North Carolina for the foreseeable future.

My chest tightens, knowing I’ll miss family and friends, but excited for the future.

I love you North Carolina, my sweet Caroline.