Over the past four years, I’ve had numerous opportunities to pursue other jobs and leave Columbia. But despite being offered more money and more responsibilities, there was always a pull I felt toward staying here in this rural, small town.
There’s just a certain appeal to the City of Charm on the River Pearl, and it’s kind of amazing when you really sit and think about it. I’ve lived in a lot of places over the years growing up in a military family, and I enjoyed every single place I’ve called home. Maybe it’s because I’m generally a happy person — even though my sarcasm sometimes suggests otherwise — but I can’t recall having bad memories about any particular place.
However, Columbia stands out above the rest, even above Slidell, La., where I spent most of my life after my dad retired from the Navy. As you read the rest of this, one common theme will become evident: The people in Columbia are just different. I’ve never lived anywhere that had so many kind people that are so willing to offer a helping hand or pray for you just because.
As the reporter who does the interviews for our weekly Professional Profile — see Page 10 — over the past four years I’ve noticed a common trend when asking others what they enjoy about living in Columbia: They love the people, too. So while I was pondering what to write about for this column, it came to me that I wanted to put together a collection of responses to that question to hammer home the point. So here they are.
“I like the small-town atmosphere and that everybody knows everybody and everybody is good to everybody.” –Sunny Breeland, Cuttin’ Up Cosmetologist
“Everybody is nice. You’re not numbers here; you’re real people. You can walk into a store, and somebody is going to hold the door open for you.” –Sharon Kuykendall, TMH Administrative Assistant
“I enjoy the small-town atmosphere. I like how the Main Street community works together. I like being able to know all of the customers. We’re not such a big area that you can’t remember who people are because you see so many people.” –Kayla Thomas, Cook & Fortenberry Owner
“It’s a small town, and you know everybody. You get to see friendly and familiar faces everywhere you go. Everybody helps each other. Like when the tornados came, everybody came together and pitched in for each other, just being neighborly.” –Jennifer Sistrunk, Farm Bureau Secretary
“I’ve worked in Hattiesburg the past four years, and I’ve always wanted to work in Columbia. It’s my hometown, and Columbia is special to me. I love the Christian influence that exists here in Columbia and Marion County. I love the small-town vibe; you can pick up the phone and call anybody for anything you need because you probably know them, and if you don’t you have some sort of mutual connection.” –Aaron McKenzie, Trustmark Bank Retail Banker and Loan Officer
“Everyone is kind of like a family. We look after each other, and likewise they look after me if I need something. … Everybody treats each other right here. I enjoy being a part of the community and being able to help the community here. We’re here to take care of the community and take care of each other at the same time.” –Evan Cleland, Marion General Hospital Educator
That’s just a small sample of the responses I’ve gotten, and I’ve literally never had anyone tell me they didn’t enjoy being a part of this community. There’s something special about that, and it’s unique to Columbia. n
Reach Joshua Campbell by phone at (601) 736-2611.
