Last year on a lazy Friday night, I found myself tagging along with some friends to Holland to repair a dirt bike. Oh the adventures you find yourself in while in college. On our way, we drove past a giant barn on the side of the road. When I saw it, I commented on how [...]
Our MI Made Mixer event in March brought together all kinds of people from all different backgrounds, and we had the pleasure to connect with one couple who was especially unique with their story: Ian and Lexie. They caught up with other relocatees at Flanagan’s after finishing up free yoga at the GRAM across the street, and it didn’t take long to realize how special their boomerang [...]
My freshman year at Grand Valley State University, I chose to go in blind for a roommate match in the dorms. I was lucky enough to get matched up with someone that I now call my best friend. We came from different cultures, had different interests, and grew up in completely different types of towns. I am [...]
Originally a Michigan native, Kelly was born in Cadillac but grew up in Northern Indiana after her family moved there when she was two. After meeting her now husband, she spent her teen years around the beaches of Lake Michigan, visiting his hometown of St. Joe, Michigan. This was when Kelly first fell in love [...]
I can make it through my morning and day without my usual cup of coffee. But, by “making it through” I mean have a pounding headache and want to fall asleep at my desk at least three times. I have accepted my addiction to caffeine, and in fact, embraced it. I brew it every morning, have at least a cup [...]
Tim grew up in East Grand Rapids and loved all of the outdoor opportunities that surrounded him while also being close to an urban downtown. He loved going camping, visiting Lake Michigan, and being able to get out and appreciate all of the scenic nature around his home. He also loved the “warmth of people in West Michigan” and the people [...]
One of the best decisions I made as a freshman at GVSU was joining “Pals.” Pals is a student organization that connects underprivileged youth with college mentors that can provide them with extra attention and fun activities that they may not get otherwise. I was assigned to young girl who lived downtown, and while at [...]
Scott is a Michigander, born and raised, but has also worked and lived in places like California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Ohio. The common thread for all of these locales is water. Scott loves living near water and the beach (Ohio is technically considered a Great Lakes State). But Michigan is the Great Lakes State and West Michigan has always been Scott’s true home. After being in a [...]
Growing up, “yes ma’am” and “no sir” were expected phrases when speaking to everyone, carbonated beverages were ALWAYS “soda”, and “y’all” was the only proper way to address a group of people. I was born and raised in Michigan, but the two biggest influences in my life were southerners. My parents grew up in the [...]
Eva has a serious case of wanderlust, and it has taken her a multitude of places: Ohio, Kentucky, both Carolinas, and Texas just to name a few. Between her desire to explore different places and a variety of work assignments with her employer, she has had the opportunity to see different parts of the country [...]
While I consider myself a West Michigan native, my parents certainly are not. They spent their childhoods and a good part of their young adult life down south in Louisiana. So, even though I may have grown up in the north, there was certainly a constant Southern influence in the house. The South is well known for its hospitality and it’s hard to be a great host without serving great food. Anyone who [...]
Jennifer is a Chicago native who has been in the marketing communications field for more than 20 years. Previous roles included time with the Chicago Board of Trade and Office Max, however she was laid off at her previous job due to the recession. Following the downsizing, she was left with a question of where [...]
As all of my friends went back home this summer, I found myself alone in a city I didn’t know and looking for something to do. I’ve always enjoyed volunteer work, and I thought it would be a great way to meet people and get involved in the community I would now be calling home. [...]
Growing up in West Michigan is quite the experience; you could get a completely different perspective from 10 people that grew up 30 minutes apart. For me, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about growing up here is my small hometown, Stevensville, and the outdoors. Whether it be long walks, days [...]
The first time I found myself at Tuesday Swing Dancing in Rosa Parks Circle was during the afterglow at West Michigan Intern Connect, a networking requirement of my summer internship; and the first experience hooked me. It was certainly nerve wracking to stand at the edge of Rosa Parks Circle, in the middle of downtown, surrounded by people, many of [...]
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