A different world, a refreshing experience

On Oct. 9, my whole life seemed to fit in the back of my Jeep. I was traveling light. I left my family, friends and world as I knew it behind- to move to Sebring.

It was a move I needed to make to pursue my dreams.

I was hired in October as the city reporter of Avon Park: population 9,033. That's less than the student population of my alma mater, the University of Miami.

I tried to find one word to describe the whirlwind of emotions I felt that first month, but nothing was more fitting than culture shock. Yes, I experienced culture shock.

I wasn't prepared for the "yes m'ams" and handshakes. And when I went to the grocery store and walked right into the Hispanic aisle, my jaw dropped.

For the first time in years, my minority status was staring me in the face. I may be from South Florida but I'm not southern.

The way I was brought up to say hello is "Que tal" with a kiss on the cheek. Back home, grocery stores don't have to label aisles as ethnic because practically everything they sell is.

Despite the shock, people's genuine desire to know more about me, where I came from, and why I was here, was charming.

The challenge was and is getting to know the city officials of Avon Park. What's their story? What are their intentions? Every assignment added a bit more personality and history to the faces of Avon Park.

On my first assignment I had an awkward experience. It wasn't because I was meeting the mayor of Avon Park for the first time but in how she introduced herself.

I was working on a story about the renovations to the Brickell Building in downtown Avon Park, and I heard Mayor Sharon Schuler worked across the street at the Hotel Jacaranda.

I struck up a conversation with the woman at the front desk and told her why I was there.

"I would like to get Mrs. Schuler's opinion on the renovations," I said.

Without any formal introduction, the woman began to answer my question; that's when I realized she was Schuler.

Actually, it's schuu-lur, and she corrected my pronunciation, too.

I'm a week shy of reaching the three-month mark and Highlands County is starting to feel like home.

What got me over that hill?

While working on a story on Latinos living in the county, I met countless individuals who shared similar experiences.

The difference is most of them were attracted to the lack of traffic, the lower cost of living and slower paced life. For me, it was a career move but I am appreciating the perks.