The headlines speak for themselves. The news of the recent incidents in Orlando are upsetting and heart-wrenching, to say the least. A young boy was dragged into the water at a Disney resort. A Youtube artist was shot at a local meet and greet. Roughly fifty people died and fifty people were injured the night of the Pulse Night Club shooting. Despite all of these tragic events, the people of Orlando have come together and have been supportive in an altruistic way.

As I saw the outpouring of support for these victims, I began to realize how much I love Orlando. With this being said, my love for the city motivated me to go around and ask my peers what they love about Orlando and why.

1. Diversity

Joao Reis

"I love the fact that I can meet all kinds of people in Orlando. Not everyone has been living here for generations- everyone is new. From meeting and getting to know these people I get to learn about new cultures and, in a sense, I get to learn about the rest of world. I know for sure that if I grew up in a place like Greensboro, Alabama with Forrest Gump I would have only known the same type of person, but over here everyone is different and I like it."

2. Views

Liana Zureikat

"One of my favorite ways to spend my night is hanging out on a rooftop overlooking Orlando. My friends and I usually go after midnight (occasionally staying until sunrise). We feel at peace and happy up there. Whether we are dancing and running around, or sitting on the ledge and having crazy deep conversations- staring out at a great view of our city just makes the experience even more special. This sounds so cheesy, but I must say, nothing beats having a good laugh with your best friends with a view. Moments like these make me really appreciate Orlando. People don't give rooftop conversations enough justice."

3. A Fisherman's Paradise

Adam Gerber

"As a passionate fisherman and resident of Orlando, it's no wonder this city is special to me. There is so much opportunity for some great freshwater and saltwater fishing. Fishermen from all around the world will often make their trek down to Orlando to fish some of the best bass fishing lakes on the planet. Luckily for me, I get to live right in the heart of this so-called 'fishing Mecca'. From catching a trophy fish to somehow lodging a treble hook an inch deep into my skin, it's no doubt Orlando's lakes have created some pretty memorable experiences for me."

4. Cotton Candy Skies, Bro

Marc Levine

"The best thing about Orlando is its sunsets. The majority of the time the sun sets in a deep blue sky, but every once in a while, when you least expect it, the sun sets in a radiant, pink and orange sky. The rarity of these vivacious sunsets has taught me to appreciate the little things. When the sky turns that brilliant crimson it just feels right to put my phone down and take in the sunset and all of its beauty. Wherever I go, I'll never forget the everlasting beauty of an Orlando sunset."

5. "Where Shopping is a Pleasure"

Samantha Sexton

"I love Orlando because it's my home. All my childhood memories are here, all the parks I used to go to as a kid, all my old schools. You spend almost two decades in a place and you can't help but love it. And of course, Publix. I know my Publix like the back of my hand, which isle the chips are in and what times they start giving out samples. I can always count on Publix for a great sub and free chocolate chip cookie. It really is a pleasure shopping there, and I am thankful that we are lucky enough to have one in Orlando."

6. Love

MacKenzie Loos

"There is a friendly love throughout the town that is contagious to any visitor, and I'm not even just talking about the theme parks or fun-filled attractions. It's the way you feel whether you are eating at the small, local restaurants that are operated by families in the suburbs of Orlando, or at the larger sports bars and corporate restaurants located downtown... there is just this feeling of togetherness and belongingness. No matter where you go in Orlando, even if you are far away from home, you still feel as if this city is home."

7. We Are a Melting Pot

Zach Mishriki

"I'm sure a lot of people are going to say it, but I love having the theme parks around so much- not just because it gives you something to do on the weekends, but also because I enjoy seeing all the people come in from around the country and around the world... It kind of embodies the idea of America being a 'salad bowl' or 'melting pot'. Sure, the tourists can be frustrating sometimes but you just have to remember they are here to enjoy everything Orlando has to offer just like those of us who live here."

8. A Forever Home

"Orlando is my home, and it is my life. I have lived here since I was born and I am now going to college at the University of Central Florida. Orlando is the type of place that once you have visited or lived here, it's hard to leave and let it go. I spent a lot of growing up time at Universal Studios and Disney since that was where both of my parents worked for years, and I feel that growing up around the fantasies and the magic of theme parks has made me the person I am happy to be today. Orlando is the center of Florida, and that means that it is the middle of the community, where both ends of the state meet and come together. I think its location is representative of our community, since we literally 'come' together."

In times of tragedy and despair, it is important to remember how wonderful our city really is. I am reminded of how special Orlando is through the various billboards and signs that read, "#OrlandoStrong" and "#OrlandoUnited". I am reminded of how special Orlando is through the recent vigils that thousands of people have attended to respect lost victims. I am reminded of how special Orlando is through the lines of people who patiently stood in the scorching sun to donate blood. I am reminded of how special Orlando is through the most recent Orlando City soccer game, where fans color-coordinated their T-shirt colors to turn the stadium into a rainbow. We are a close-knit community who really comes together in times of adversity. We are more than just a group of people who live in relatively close proximity to each other- we are a family. We are a family who have overcome tough times and grown stronger than ever. Orlando is more than just a tourist town that fosters exciting amusement parks and beautiful lakes — it is our home.