All It Takes Is One Person

On the bank of the Ohio River sits Henderson, Kentucky. Overlooking the water are vibrant sunsets, trains passing over tracks on the bridge and an occasional boater in the summertime.

Henderson started out as a Downtown on the riverfront with vacant stores, open parking spots everywhere and no visitors. Then, when I remember came home from college during the summer of 2021, I found open stores lining Main Street, parking spaces filled with cars and people everywhere.

It took one person to create a change. One person believed that Henderson could be great. Casey Todd planted a restaurant, Hometown Roots, on Second Street Downtown. Since then, others started believing too.

Some still gripe about living in a nothing to do town, while others do something about it.

Hometown Roots led to other restaurants opening, like the pizza joint overlooking the river and the gift shops and clothing boutiques lining Main Street.

I want to be the person who believes in something and creates a ripple effect of change. Instead of dwelling on vacancy, imagine the possibilities that could lead to a million-dollar answer others have been looking for.

Henderson had the potential to rise above the nagging of having nothing to do, but it took one voice to jumpstart this change.

As a student graduating and returning home to what is now a booming town, I want to be a part of creating change that lasts. I do not want to be the person who is constantly gripping about hometown drama and gossip.

Be the community member who others turn to for hope. Be the community member who others are encouraged by. Be the community member who believes even when no one else does.

I will choose progress in my community. And when the time comes for you to make this decision, I encourage you to do the same.