I grew up in a semi-rural part of Ohio, where travel was rare and most places felt quiet and familiar. But every so often, we’d make the trip to Cincinnati—my mother’s hometown—and to me, it felt like stepping into another world. Cincinnati had an energy that no other city in Ohio could match, despite being a bit run down in the 90’s. The narrow, walkable streets downtown buzzed with life, framed by towering buildings that seemed enormous to me as a kid. Historic architecture was abundant with a few sleek modern structures showing the cities ambition for the future.
What captivated me most was the setting itself: the hills rising around the city, the sweeping overlooks, the Ohio River winding through downtown, and the stadiums standing proudly along the skyline. Cincinnati felt alive, dramatic, and full of possibility. Even as a kid, I knew it was the kind of place I wanted to be. After graduating high school, I finally got the chance to turn that dream into reality.
