I'm sure many of you are aware of the recent events in Kalamazoo a couple weekends ago. I have called Kalamazoo home now for a couple years and I love it here. The shooting took the lives of six innocent people and severely injured two more. It took away wives, husbands, sons, friends in addition to part of the safety, comfort and warm feeling this community has always carried. But we are too strong and connected to let one man take anything else away from this city we all come home to each night. Kalamazoo is an amazing, strong town and I want to draw attention away from what was taken away from his and back to the awesome, unique places, people and opportunities this place offers everyone who lives here.

1. Western Michigan

It's the reason I and so many others are lucky enough to be a part of such a unique place and I still wouldn't have it any other way. This school has brought me best friends, an education, a job and so much more that I honestly would not trade for anything. This community makes this school what it is and I am so thankful to live in a place that has as much love for our school as they do.

2. Downtown Kalamazoo

The nature, the restaurants, the bars, the parks, the train station, the gorgeous views, the Kalamazoo Mall and have you seen it lit up at Christmas? There is so much downtown has to offer to everyone that lives and visits Kalamazoo and that isn't going anywhere. This area is such a cool part of our city and just one of the many things that makes me love it so much.

3. Breweries

I am not personally 21 so this doesn't pertain to me, but I know this is something Kalamazoo is known for nationally. Western even recently added a minor in Beer Brewing! There's so many local breweries that bring people, business and obviously beer to our city, and I don't see tourists or beer-drinking college students changing their mind about their love for these places or that drink anytime soon.

4. The people

Kalamazoo is such a diverse place. On top of the families and general population, Western, Kalamazoo College and KVCC all draw in people of all ages to attend school and be a part of this outstanding place. I have never been a place where people truly care about each other and our well beings, as much as the people here. The recent events have drawn us together and made the connection between us stronger than ever.

5. Beautiful sights

Trails, forests, parks, biking paths, lakes, the nature center and so much more. This city is the perfect place for finding all kind of sights with a ton of animals and plants and any kind of nature you can imagine. The opportunities to explore acres upon acres of land all over city are endless and that will always be around.

6. Events and concerts

How many cities around the state let alone the country can say they have a weekend festival all about eating and making ribs? There are an endless amount of city run and scheduled events all year round. From concerts and live music in every genre and farmers markets to a craft beer festival, film festivals and jamborees, this community has something for everyone. See here for a more complete list!

7. The beach

This is a little bit of a stretch because it's not right here, but that doesn't make it any less important. In Kalamazoo we are only 35 or so minutes from South Haven and not too much farther from Grand Haven. No it's not Myrtle Beach, but when you live in Michigan being so close to a beautiful city with sand, lighthouses and adorable shops right on Lake Michigan, it's much more of a blessing than I can put into words.

8. Sweetwater's Donut Mill

There is no question in my mind as to whether or not these are the best donuts to exist. Krispy Kreme, Tim Hortons, Dunkin' Donuts and whoever else do not even begin to compare to the taste of a fresh sweet water's. Plus they are open 24 hours. And they have a drive through. It doesn't get any better than that.

9. The community

Kalamazoo is a connected and involved community and I have no doubt that we will get through these events together. The amount of love and respect we all have for each other goes a long way and I know this city will bounce back stronger than ever. We all have too much to love here and too much pride in our city to let one man or anyone else take that away from us. I am thankful for Kalamazoo, but I am even more thankful that we are Kalamazoo Strong.