A Brief Introduction

   Good morning to all of my fellow neighbors in Reston! Please allow me to take this opportunity to introduce myself.  I relocated to the Archstone Charter Oak community along North Shore Drive in May 2009 from Pennsylvania to pursue a local career opportunity.  Since moving here I have met many wonderful people, participated in numerous community functions, have been welcomed into the wonderful flock of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and have enjoyed spending my free time getting on out and exploring as much of the region as I can on foot or by car.  Perhaps what I find to be the most fascinating about Reston so far is the loyalty that so many here exhibit towards their community.  I came from a part of Pennsylvania ravaged by decades of steep economic decline, and as a result very few people had a kind word to say about where we lived. While growing up I was actually urged by friends, family, and even my own teachers to move away to spread my wings and live up to my fullest potential, and relocate I did.  I’m a regular on the Restonian blog, and any time I offer up a criticism of some aspect of Reston life I’m never ceased to be amazed by the amount of opposition I face. As the months pass by I’m finally starting to settle in and realize just why so many of you truly love this place that I initially detested. Reston IS a community worthy of defending, and I’m pleased that our blog administrator has permitted me this opportunity to comment more on my experiences as Restonian so some of you long-time residents or even original natives can view the place you’ve loved to call home for so many years with a renewed vigor as told through the eyes of a new 23-year-old transplant.

   What are my 2010 goals for my blog contributions?  I hope to stir up some lively discussion on various issues facing our community, but I also hope that unlike some past controversies facing Reston this time around people will be more willing to keep an open mind to opposing viewpoints. Sometimes divergent perspectives can and will change the way you look at things. I know that I personally went from being an ardent supporter of capital punishment to a passive critic after I attended an eye-opening seminar at my college several years ago. I went from being a loyal patron of my neighborhood Wal-Mart to making a concerted effort to support independent businesses whenever possible after attending a rally by Wake-Up Wal-Mart out of sheer curiosity back in 2005. You remain malleable and impressionable regardless of your age, and, as such, please at least consider opposing arguments before pouncing on your opponent. I will soon be submitting my very first contribution of any appreciable levity, and I hope it provokes thoughtful feedback. 

   In parting I’d just once again like to thank the Reston community for bearing with me and being patient as I’ve readjusted to the culture shock that was Reston. I look forward to being an even better neighbor, friend, and blogger in 2010.