Welcome to Springfield, Missouri, the place that I call home and have so lovingly nicknamed "Springvegas" (Although I won't say I coined this term, for many Springfieldians use it). Springfield is certainly not perfect but it is a wonderful place to grow up in. It is rich with opportunity for entrepreneurs, artists, and young musicians. Springfield, much like any other city, definitely has its flaws that I would like to highlight in the future, but for now I would like to take the time to share with you my favorite things about growing up in Springfield.

Downtown Springfield is often the place to be on week nights. It is typically littered with ambitious college kids, for the Missouri State University campus is located on that same end of town. There is a coffee shop on nearly every corner of downtown Springfield, my personal favorites include Coffee Ethic, Mudhouse, and Eurasia. These coffee shops provide the perfect atmosphere for studying, informal business meetings, catching up with a friend, and a chill time with good pals.

Downtown is also a growing creative outlet. Many local bands perform in different places including the square, murals are painted on many of the walls downtown, and there is an artwalk the first Friday of every month where the community's artwork is showcased. There are small art galleries around town as well as the art museum that has not only famous pieces, but some of the community's art including some from the elementary schools.

Springfield provides many educational opportunities. Missouri State, Jury, and Evangel are all universities located here as well as Ozarks Technical Community College. Springfield also has a great public school system and includes five high schools, each obtaining redeeming qualities-- although I am partial to Kickapoo High School (because it is the best).

There are also many beautiful parks in Springvegas. Whether you want to hang out with friends, go on a hike, walk your dog, or have a picnic, there are many locations to do so. Phelps Grove is located right by our (free) art museum and is safe for family and friends and full of trees, picnic tables, grills, and playground equipment. Nathanael Greene is my favorite park. It is perfect for walking your dog or hammocking. A lake is located there with a trail winding around it and there are many beautiful gardens. There are other trails that lead up to the new and gorgeous botanical center. If you love to hike, Busiek State Forest is located about 20 minutes outside of Springfield and has the most beautiful hiking trails, a creek, and camping sights.

When you have nothing better to do, the best thing to do in Springfield is gallivant. Gallivanting typically takes place at night. Drive around, park at a parking lot, board around, walk downtown with friends along the train tracks, sit at the top of a parking garage and take in the sights, visit Hurts Donuts, and whatever else your heart leads you.

Springvegas is a thriving community with a growing population and I argue that our city has great potential to become even better. However, it is a group effort as a community to become a greater, safer place and to correct the community's flaws that could become fatal. I believe that we can make our world a better place but it all starts with you. So to you Springfieldians out there: You got this. We got this. Lets work together to make our beautiful Springvegas a better place to live.