by David Duncan

Created on: July 04, 2009   Last Updated: July 06, 2009

Who we are as individuals is impacted by everything we see, touch, taste, hear, and smell. So, how we interact with our physical environment, use its resources, and take advantage of existing opportunities has a lasting impact on us.

Growing up, I lived in a small southern Minnesota town. My hometown was very close-knit, made up of mostly farms and family-owned shops. My hometown sets in a fairly isolated part of the state with the nearest metropolitan fifty miles away. Traffic enters and exits town by only three roads. The beautiful rolling hills and meadows add a special charm. But, nothing much stands in the way of a blinding blizzard, tornado, or blistering heat. Because of the isolation, beauty, and nature's potential fury, cooperation and friendliness are key to survival in my hometown. Strong work ethics and family ties run deep in my hometown to protect the precious, but limited, resources and opportunities and it is very obvious in the way people treat each other.

I have been away from home for over thirty years now, living in one of Minnesota's major metropolitan cities. Resources and opportunities are much greater here than in my hometown. Yet, the struggle to keep strong ties and cooperation is greater as well. Fortunately, the area is made up of many smaller neighborhoods that take great pride in honoring and sharing their diversity, their unique piece of the whole metro area. In fact, over the past ten years, there has been a marked rise in participation at local cultural events and in national sponsored events like, National Night Out, an event started to help raise neighborhood and crime awareness. There could be many reasons behind the new sense of community rising in our city. I believe that tragic events of the past ten years, like the attack on the World Trade Centers, the war in Iraq, and the recent recession have played a huge role in making all of us in our town stop and take a hard look at ourselves and our relationships. All these events have reminded us that we are all connected in some way or another, no matter where we reside.

When I first moved to this area, I was anxious about living in such a big city, worried whether I could fit in with the values I was brought up with, being so open, honest, and trusting. I have to admit I have learned to question others and their behavior much more than I did growing up. The mere fact that there are 50 times (250,000 approx.) as many people living here than in my hometown greatly increases the chance of running up against someone untrustworthy and I have a few hard lessons that attest to it. Still, I haven't lost my sense of good will and courtesy. Even in a city much more fast-paced and diverse than my hometown, I find that a friendly hello and a helping hand are still valuable and appreciated.

Learn more about this author, David Duncan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.