Meaning of Unity

I hear it all the time; what are you? Where are you from? Are you a Native? Hearing these questions daily has allowed me to become a pro at answering them. I listen to them more frequently than good morning, good afternoon, or even good evening.

You, too, must be asking yourself the same questions if you are reading this blog, so I am human and a native (Charlestonian). I was born and raised here in Charleston, SC, up to ten years old. When I was ten, I moved to Chicago, Illinois, and moved back when I was nineteen. I have been a resident of South Carolina for 30 years. I traveled the majority of the United States growing up with my parents. That's my generic response.

If I ask you one question, will you answer with a generic response? For example, if I ask you what does the Ravenel Bridge mean to you? Will you respond by saying; that Thomas Ravenel created that marvelous masterpiece? Majority does. That's a difference between a Native, a Tourist, or just a Residence. If you knew the history of Charleston, you would know the Charleston Culture and Hospitality.

Now, I am not stating that I know every piece of information, and I don't. The Ravenel Bridge means a lot to me; it's more than just a marvelous masterpiece. It's a representation of Charleston uniting with the surrounding Islands. The unity of relationships among Neighbors, Family, Friends, Tourists, and just plain everyone! Now retake a look at the bridge; what do you see now? I can tell you that I can see memories.

More than only memories, I see current and future visions of what brings our communities together that unites us. It is a starting or ending point from the start of one side of the bridge to the other side. Each cable represents a connection to the other. Like a connection within someone's life, one starts their life somewhere and finishes where they choose.

I started my life in Charleston, but I have now been a resident of Mount Pleasant, SC, for the past eight years because I chose to. When I look at this bridge, I remember the times I traveled across it with people I had just encountered: Clients, Family, and Friends. Every time I cross it or look at it from a distance, I smile! I smile because I know it is not the end of my path on this bridge; I am still climbing the ropes to reach the end of the Ravenel Bridge. I have a vision, and I am here to accomplish that vision. I know that this may be my stomping grounds, but while I'm here, I want to take you on this bridge and build relationships with my Neighbors, Friends, Current and Future Residents,  and Tourists to share some great memories of accomplishments.

I will now ask, are you, too, looking to bring Family and Friends as our neighbors? If so, that's what I do as a Realtor! Not only am I a Realtor, but I am also a Scholar-Practitioner who focuses on positive social change. I'm taking a stand to continue to contribute my Morals, Ethics, and Principles for us to succeed in the continued growth of Charleston Hospitality. 

Did that answer the question, what are you? Where are you from? Are you a Native? Does it matter now? Not to me; I have my solid perspective of unity! It does not matter where one was born or is from. It's what each wants to contribute and accomplish as a community! Whether coming or leaving, I will be honored to be of assistance and make it a wonderful memory. I'm lending my hand; it's your choice to grab it.