FLO-TOWN!!!

I've been working in Florence for about a month and a half now. I'm enjoying the experience of being on the streets everyday, meeting people, and telling their stories. There is one thing that's a little frustrating. Here's how a typical conversation goes with someone when I meet them for the first time.

Person: Hi!

Clarissa: Hello, I'm Clarissa. I'm the new reporter in the Shoals at Channel 19.

Person: How long have you been here?

Clarissa: About a month and a half.

Person: Where are you from orginally?

Clarissa: Atlanta.

Person: "Oh...I'm sorry." or "Oh, wow! I bet you wish you were there." or "Ah, why would you come here?"

I have to say that I'm perfectly fine being in Florence and covering the Shoals area. I think the cities, towns, and communities in the Shoals have a lot of history and character. I wish that some of the people I encounter would be proud of that! I'm proud of where I'm from. After all, if I really start to miss Atlanta, it's only a 4 hour drive. :-)