I grew up in Weston, a suburb outside of the Fort Lauderdale area. Growing up, I never really went into Miami, and drove to Fort Lauderdale or Naples to get to a city. Now, I am a student at the University of Miami, and currently live in Coral Gables. Miami has become a home to me, and I have realized that there really is no place like Miami. Miami is so unique, and is a place where culture, history, and people thrive. I feel like every day I experience something new, and connect with someone I would have never met if it weren’t for Miami. The people in Miami are what makes Miami so special, and sometimes, just having the city of Miami in common with someone allows you to relate to one another. I also feel as though there is a constant sense of Miami pride, inside and outside of the city. Often times I will see someone wearing UMiami gear in a different state, and throwing up the U will always spark up a conversation. Something that will always make me feel like a Miamian and give me a sense of Miami pride is when I drive on I-95 passing through Brickell and Downtown. I often make this drive coming US-1 on the way to either the University of Miami Medical school, the beach, or somewhere else downtown. There is nothing quite like this drive, or the view that comes with it. When you pass through Brickell and Downtown on I-95, you have a perfect view of all of the high rises and the ocean behind them. It is beautiful during the day and at night, with all the lights from the buildings shining through the dark. Whenever I make this drive, I get this indescribable feeling, and I am so grateful to be living in this beautiful city and get to experience it every day. I feel a sense of hope and contentment, knowing that this place is my home.
