Southern Hospitality

I returned from Thanksgiving break in Kentucky to Charleston, SC. I live downtown. Charleston stays afloat in the harbor because of it's strong tourism market and cuisine. However, today I noticed something that took me much to long to observe.



As I walked out of Moe's after purchasing my $5 burrito, as ritual of Monday's, I noticed that Chucktown isn't just a college town or a tourist attraction. I am living in a city someone else calls home. I passed a group of high school girls wearing purple plaid jumpers talking about the cafeteria food served that day. I smiled at a business man who was conversing with his children via cell phone about a movie rental choice for that evening. I noticed local business owners depositing money at an ATM. Small observations but something I never take the time to enjoy, let alone appreciate and recall later.



I proceeded to Marion square, a place where my mind really gets to relaxin' after a full day of classes. I sat on a park bench where the homeless are usually found. I'm not saying that out of spite or political comment but simply because most of the people seen sitting where I sit, have claimed that territory as their own. Once again, I was invading someone else's home. I sat and unwrapped my huge steak burrito, about the weight of a good sized textbook.



As I bit into it, the juices of the freshly made salsa seemed to call upon all the creatures of the park. Somethin' like a Disney princess movie. Suddenly I was surrounded by about 6 squirrells that begged for a piece of what I had. I found myself commanding them to "shoo!" or "get!" as I would my dog at home. I began to smile realizing that I was alone. I broke off a piece of a complimentary tortilla chip and tossed it to the pavement. Immediately the oversized squirrel snatched it up, only after claiming it for himself, as the others posed a  mild threat. I broke more and more crumbs off to accomodate the clan of creatures. The bricks in front of me were littered with corn chips. I ate side by side with the little guys. I munched on my burrito as they delicately held their snacks between their claws. I smiled again.

I love this city. No matter how many times my mom will be dissappointed in my choice to call Charleston "home". It's where I belong. Sure my family is in Kentucky and I love them. However, my assurance in myself is a habitant of a beautiful, historic, calm, hospitable and extraordinary place in South Carolina.



Photo by Lucy McNerney











The Holy City: Filling in the Spaces

Two dogs meet in Marion square. One of hound dog descent, the other of irish setter/golden retriever attributes. Wagging tales chase each other as the owners chat about the weather. The golden retriever stops play to receive gratification from his owner. His owner bends down and taps her hands to her thighs. The retriever is stunned with excitement and quickly breaks as he lurches toward her in lovable pursuit.

Creating my Career

I am flattered. I just came home from an interview with an elite public relations group here in Charleston, SC. I've been extended an internship with them and am thrilled to be doing what I love. Writing, researching and simply keeping up with businesses and their choices on how to advertise and gain public respect.

I recently made a choice to resign from the Resident Assitant position I occupied to make room for a possible internship for the spring semester. This choice was crucial. I am not confident in my decision and am totally ready and prepped for the internship opportunities.

The cognitive dissonance theory of communication by Leon Festinger, states that people sometimes undergo postdecision dissonance in which they have "strong doubts after making an important, close-call decision that is difficult to reverse" (Communication, Em Griffin). There is no doubt that I portrayed this type of dissonance when chosing to resign from my position as an RA. I am reassured now that I made the right choice, however, Festinger makes a comment that people can be motivated to communicate by this measure of dissonance.

Is this agreeable? How many times a day to people make decisions they regret?

There is an argument that aligns with "Live life to the fullest" but if making rash and abrupt decisions causes disruptions in your definition of success, what's the point?

I'm not regretting my decision to resign, I'm simply expectant that my new job will outweigh the experiences of my previous job. I hope this is the case and the gut feeling I have now, says that my expectations will be royally met. It is all really what I put it into it.

HERE WE GO!