Akron! Before I begin, I must be honest- I am someone that did not fully appreciate Akron when I resided there. Looking back with my impeccable hindsight, I just don’t know what my problem was. Akron is a city with a past that is trying to build a future. Akron has urban sprawl and nature rich paths. Akron offers blue and white collar jobs… and I’m sure that someone in a green hoodie is fighting for a spot somewhere. Akron has diversity. Akron has education. Akron has a vegan restaurant!

Within the first year of moving to Chicago, my feelings of love for my home started to blossom. I began thinking about my triumphant return- about the ease of living in a place where I already knew the highways, the school systems, and the best places to have a picnic. And camp! The reality of offering Camp Christopher to my children launched me into a whirlwind of excitement. I still feel a little flushed at the possibility of perhaps convincing my brood to attend family camp with me…

Do not mistake- I do not spend my days pining for this great city, filled with sadness and despair. After spending three years in Chicago, I made the decision to relocate to Portland, Oregon. I know that I still have some learning left to do before I return and make Akron my own. Every time I see an Ohio license plate on the street, my heart flutters. I have been researching Akron houses monthly for the past year. I have yet to explore job possibilities, afraid that if I find a good one I will pick up and move prematurely.

Obviously if one is reading this, there is no need to convince or tout the glories of Akron. I still feel surprised that I feel so passionately about Akron, however. My parents were both born and raised in Akron (North Hill and Firestone Park), and I spent the first 6 months of life in North Hill. My parents made the decision to “live better” by buying a large plot of land in Macedonia, so my formative years were spent viewing Akron as a weekly visit to my grandparents’ house. My parents did not speak highly about the status of the city, and I spent the majority of my time in Cuyahoga Falls. I chose to go to Hoban high school, however, so my Akron life became rich again.

I can clearly remember how nervous I used to get driving through Akron. I recall getting a bit turned around and ending up on 59, going over the bridge to get into the city – my heart racing and my palms sweaty. I remember spending obscene amounts of time at Café Moma’s, and managing to get lost every time I tried to find my way back to 77.

I still get confused when I try to pick the right road at the Mull Avenue traffic circle. I’d like to think that my time away, living in these large cities independently, will assist me in exploring Akron more confidently- but I am fairly certain I will still manage to get lost and nervous. I hope I do… what a fantastic way to revisit my youth!

I will end by giving credit where credit is due. Although I began appreciating Akron within one year of my departure, it was not until I moved to Portland that I made the concrete decision to plant my roots back home. It is not because of the distance I now find myself from Akron. It is not because of the cost of buying a home here. It is not because I feel uneasy about how children are raised here. All of these things certainly make me feel good about my choice, but my passionate love for Akron has flourished because of my best friend, Chrissy. It would be dishonest to flaunt my love of Akron and not share the inspiration. Having someone in Portland that loves Akron as much as she does… I mean, I never stood a chance!

In closing, I have some potential marketing phrases for the city of Akron to try on for size. I will contemplate creating some prototype stickers and plastering the desk of Donald L. Plusquellic.

Akron – The thrill on the hill.

Akron – Goodyear? Great year!!

Akron – The city that was built to bounce.

Akron – We have two malls!

Akron- Go get yourself tired!

submitted by Jennie P.

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