By Robert Hudson

Without hesitation, I have to say my first few weeks in Selma have been exciting.

I’ve met new people and gotten to venture out into the community to get a feel of the place.

In fact, since May, I’ve looked forward to the move to Selma with excitement.

This is my first job after graduating from Troy University.

Naturally, I jumped at the chance to work in the field that I received my degree in, no matter where the job was located.

I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Selma.

Certainly, I knew of Selma’s historical significance.

I also knew of it from my family.

My grandmother has family in town and my grandfather used to drive a mail truck up to Selma from Mobile.

What I mean is, I knew about Selma as a place, not as a potential home.

When it came to living here, I was going in blind.

That’s part of the reason my first day in town was one of the worst days I’ve had in a while.

I had to run around, make calls and scrape up the cash to move into my place and get my utilities turned on.

On top of all the activation fees and security deposits, a mix up at the bus station almost stranded my mother here for the night.

Everything fell into place and even after the distress of day one my excitement wasn’t deterred.

I’m glad I remained hopeful.

The following weeks were filled with kindness.

Every person I was introduced to and everyone I’ve interviewed has been kind.

And after I’d finish talking to them, just about every one of them would finish by saying one thing: Welcome to Selma.

That kindness has made me that much more excited to be here.

I’m glad to be a part of the community.