Nearly 30 years ago , I relocated my family to Waterloo , Iowa from the Windy City . I was seeking a slower pace , more relaxed way of life . My objectives were clear :
• Remove my children from Chicago ’ s violence .
• Complete my B . A . degree to gain skills and seek opportunities that would afford my family a better life .
• Once achieved , leave . Coming here has turned out to be one of my better decisions . However , I don ’ t mind sharing a time when nothing would have pleased me more than pulling up stakes and getting out of here . Back then , I didn ’ t think Waterloo had much to offer . I was wrong . A retired Chicago police officer , also a dear friend , reminded of an important lesson : Perspective is everything . “ Veevah , there ’ s more than one way to look at this , you know .” He said . “ You can look around at what ’ s going on and say , ‘ Man ! This place is dead . There ’ s nothing going on here , no opportunities . I ’ m leaving as soon as I can get out of here .’ Or you can look around at what ’ s going on and say , ‘ Man ! This
An Old Lesson From A Dear Friend place is dead . There ’ s nothing going on here , no opportunities . I ’ m leaving as soon as I can get out of here .’ Or you can look around at what ’ s going on and say , ‘ Man ! This place is dead . There ’ s nothing going on here , no opportunities . I ’ ve got just what it takes to really set things off , if I put my mind to it !’ The choice is yours .” My goal is to share the good that occurs in this city . The good we rarely hear about , read about or see . The good should be celebrated . Also , sharing the struggles that come with the triumphs . Not every path to success is golden - some have been paved with hard knocks .
Success stories come from innovative , talented , positive people in our community who sit in silence , proud whatʼsREALLYgood
with a successful story to share .
As I have changed my perspective , Waterloo has a lot of good happening . Our community has a wealth of talent , intellect , ingenuity , and business institutions with stories that need to be shared . By sharing these stories of Waterloo , a balanced picture will come to light .
Chaveevah Banks - Ferguson has done a little bit of a lot of things : professional dancer ; costume designer ; communications instructor at Wartburg College and Hawkeye Community College ; former staff writer for the Waterloo Courier ; author ; artist ; and owner of BaHar Publishing . Share your community story ideaswith Chaveevah .
Per spective is Everything
THESOULTOWN . COM
THE SOULTOWN • CONNECTING OUR CULTURE TO OUR COMMUNITY whatʼsREALLYgood 23