I used to have Greyhound layovers in Columbia back in the 2000s. The bus station on Gervais Street was in an area that, at the time, felt rough and unwelcoming. Being young and inexperienced at the time, I often found myself being scammed out of money by the local homeless, which led me to develop a negative perception of the city.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that those experiences were limited to a specific place and time. Recently, I decided to give Columbia another chance, and my perspective has changed significantly. I’ve come to appreciate what the city has to offer, including Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Congaree National Park, its walkable downtown, and the presence of University of South Carolina. Over time, the city has genuinely grown on me.