Winston Wright
Favorite Spot: North Philly (in general), Center City
About Me: 17 year old senior high school student
Current Home: Northwest
Years in Philly: 3

 Dear Philly,
I've been to a few places in my brief lifetime. I was born into a pacific northwest chill where the "inner city" never really existed. On the way home from school I could look out the window and see Mt.Saint Helens to my left and the Space Needle to my right. I knew Seattle as my home for eight years and for awhile I always thought that who I was as a kid had a lot to do with where I was from. Later on in life my family found ourselves in Nashville, Tennessee, the Athens of the South. It was a lot different being in the bible belt where football and god were king. It was difficult but soon enough I found that cows to my left and fields of hay to my right were just as enjoyable as the Space Needle and Mt.Saint Helens. I came back to you to finish out high school while staying in the city with my dad. Although since I've been here I have missed the peaceful ease of the south and the chill breeze of the west, there is a balance that makes me feel right at home. In a city like you, reality is everywhere. No matter what "good" block, or section of the city I find myself in, I realize the concrete jungle is a real place. Before I came to this city I really only knew the east coast as a harsh place where people took trains to get everywhere. Taking the broad street line home everyday has been therapeutic for me. I have a chance to just reflect on life and all of things I've seen in a day. I wouldn't trade my time in Philly for anything else. Despite the absence of ocean views or southern lights, I'm happy to call the concrete jungle my home.

Bethany Carter
favorite Spot: All of it

I Am: A student and I spend my time hiking with my family.
Years in Philly: 17
Current Home: Northwood

I love Philadelphia, all of it. I love the complexity. I love how in a seven minute bus ride I can see extreme change that makes it seem like a whole new city. I love being able to walk in the city then go hiking in the woods with the only indication that I'm still in Philadelphia is the sound of cars in the distance. I love the variety. I love when people tell me about what they think of Philadelphia and being able to say that though that might be true in one neighborhood or one block it doesn't describe it all or even a part of Philadelphia. I love the history. I love being able to take day trips to old city and even after living here for so many years still being able to learn something. I love that I can get almost anywhere on public transportation. I love the museums and being able to take others there and being able to be proud of the city. I love Philadelphia.

About Me:

I am: A Philadelphia high school senior, a rower, big sister, and environmentalist.

Neighborhood: Overbrook Farms

Favorite Spot: The Schuylkill River and boathouse row

Years in Philly: 10 years

Dear Schuylkill River,

I've watched you from the car window for many years. Never giving a second thought to who you are, to what you are. I never took the chance to dive deeper into the little things that help you function. Never took the chance to who's lives you've changed and who relies on your presence. Little did I know there's a whole other world that revolves around you. It took me 14 years to figure this out. 14 years too long. The summer of 2010 was when we were introduced. The moment we were introduced broadened my perspective of Philadelphia. You showed me a unique way to live and gave me the desire to explore more of Philly. Thank you for making me explore and appreciate Philadelphia.

Much love,

Imani.

A note from the perpetually anxious and introverted.

Dear Philly,

The only reason I like you is because this is where my house is, and that is where I stay. I don’t enjoy the events, too much noise, too many people. I don’t like walking around the city, I have no desire to be hit by a car again. In the winter, your streets are cold, and the wind blows too strong. I still miss my turquoise headband. In the summer, it’s too hot, and the stench of the trash people carelessly leave on the ground is overpowering. 

The buses are annoying, filled with rude people who blast their bad music and make getting off at the right stop difficult. The buses themselves smell, they’re loud, and kick up dirt and grime in my face as they drive off without me. My experiences with Philly aren't as magical as what most people seem to have.

Sorry Philly, I’m just not that in to you.

Name: Kimberly Cayamcela
Years in Philadelphia: 3
Neighborhood: Mayfair
Address: Torresdale Ave. 

I am an eighteen year old high school student who attends Science Leadership Academy. I have moved to North East Philadelphia in the year of 2010 from Warminster, PA. I appreciate music as well as my guitar, Ruby. I'm a recent owner of a lovely pup named Rosie. Peace, love, and music is my everyday motto. 

Dearest Philadelphia, 

From the biggest city in the world, to the suburbs of Pennsylvania, to the city of brotherly love. As I set foot upon your lands I couldn't help myself but to compare you to the other lands I've called home. Unknown places, unknown people, unknown cultures, and an unknown persona. It took me some time. Time to allow myself to call you home. I discovered South Street last summer and began to visit often. Unique stores, unique personalities. My favorite store to enter is The Philly Aids Thrift Store. And as I walk on South Street, I love to observe the different cultures that come together to visit the same place. Though I live in the North East part of you and there's not much activities to do as there is in the city, I now call you home. 

Sincerely, Kimberly Cayamcela 


 

Favorite spot: Mt Airy Playground
Neighborhood: Mt. Airy
Address: Sprague Street

1 am a student at Science Leadership Academy and an Editor for MightyPost. I love watching and playing sports in general, but I also enjoy videogames, bike riding and watching Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Current Home: Mt Airy, Sprague Street.

Marley Utzig

Favorite Spot: Back of the 25 bus

Neighborhood: Port Richmond

I am: Philly high school senior, book worm, spot seeker, street art appreciator

Years in Philly: 11 

Dear 25 Bus,

I love you. Even when you leave me out to face the aggressive weather alone. I love you.

I was an awkward California girl when the harsh city swept me up. I was never around public transportation but when it came time to fall into travel it was you that I fell in love with. I look out the windows and see memories of my past flash by. You have been with me through everything. You have taken me to concerts and clubs. Tried not to be bumpy while I scribbled my late homework down. You held me while I cried from a broken heart or just a stressed mind. You made me love public transportation. You take me to anything I need to go to. My friends and I loudly goof around on the way to the movies or all the way up to North Philly.  I can fall asleep on your and my body knows where we are. With each turn I feel the curve of you moving. Without you I do not know what I would do. How different my life would be. I love you so much I accept your faults, which really is what love is all about.

~Marley

​Matthew Rinaldi
Favorite Spot: Federal Donuts
Neighborhood: South Philly
Address: 8th and Winton St

I am: A Deputy Editor for MightyPost, a student at Science Leadership Academy, and a video game enthusiast. 
Years in Philly: 10 years (almost 11)
Current Home: South Philly

Dear Federal Donuts,

I know our love affair have only just begun, yesterday to be specific. But I can't seem to stop myself from thinking about you. It's funny that I've never noticed you before; probably since you're constantly hidden from plain view. Tucked away in that small street, you definitely deserve more recognition than that.

I didn't know what I was expecting when I first came in. In fact, I was pretty nervous. Were you as great as everyone made you out to be? I didn't want to be disappointed, not again at least. I walked up to the counter and placed my order. I sat on the bench eagerly waiting for my food to be made, all the while looking around as I observed the unique characters that came through the clear, glass door. 

Suddenly, I hear my order being called out. I went back to the counter and took my food, afterwards, heading back to my previous seat. I looked down at the feast I was about to partake in. This was it, the big moment. I took that piece of fried chicken and guided it towards my mouth, ever so slowly as to savor the moment as it nears my lips. My nostrils were filled with an intense aroma of honey and ginger. I was consumed in its inviting fragrance and was filled with nothing but passionate lust. The crispy, golden-brown skin was now grazing my lips and a rush of adrenaline filled me. I open my mouth and bite into its flesh, piercing through the perfectly cooked outer layer and entering its tender, succulent interior.

At that moment I knew I've found where I belong. I found my new piece of heaven.