Heart over Home: Why I Love "The City Beautiful"
It was bright and hot out when I packed a U-Haul trailer onto my 2009 Honda Civic. Hitching anything onto a car that small sounds insane, but I was so determined to follow my heart. What’s even crazier is the 14 hour drive I endured from home to “The City Beautiful.” My gut has always told me there was so much more out there for me to see – it was also telling me that Orlando would be my next stop.
As outlandish as some things may seem, a gut feeling this strong isn’t something to be ignored.
Growing up in a rural area like Gluckstadt, Mississippi meant limited opportunities as far as I was concerned. It’s very cliché to say, but in high school I definitely felt like an outcast. Drama, racial tension, and a hectic schedule was waiting for me at every corner.
Additionally, because the area was still being developed, there weren’t many job opportunities that fit me.Prior to moving, I remember sitting at my sister’s desk and making plans for the move.
“I want to become a server at a really popular location, and I want to go to one of the largest universities in the country,” I said to myself.
When I first mentioned moving, I don’t think I even believed myself. I wasn’t sure if I’d actually follow through, but I remember my mom saying, “once you started talking about attending school out of state, I knew it was getting more serious.”
After even more research, I came to a more concise conclusion.
“I want to become a BayHost at TopGolf and study Broadcast Journalism at UCF…,” and although these are oddly specific, this may have been one of my first successful encounters with manifestation.
Visions soon came into fruition and before I knew it, I was serving bays at TopGolf Orlando. This opportunity also segued into other in venue positions such as Administrative Assistant and Event Ambassador.
Image Courtesy: Armoni Sloan
It’s crazy how after moving I’ve spent more money than I ever have, but I also earned more than ever.
As time went on, my perceptions of “The City Beautiful” grew. Even though the humid air and palm trees take over our environment, I think everyone should want to live here … or at least experience it.
Throughout my journey, I experienced some of the best encounters and friendships I’ve ever had. Suddenly, I had gone from being an outcast to gaining another home away from home because of my community.
Image Courtesy: Armoni Sloan
Even though I still feel like there's a stronger, more solid community out there for me – this was a great start.
Initially, being away from home was a challenge. At almost every inconvenience I was calling my mother to cry about the day’s issues.
I definitely felt the need to become more grounded, which resulted in me gaining a church home at one of the biggest churches I’ve ever stepped foot in in my life!
One of my favorite things about this area is all there is to see. This is where all of the magic happens. Orlando is a place where residents can choose from the beach life, city life, and some of the best tourism in the nation.
Image Courtesy: Armoni Sloan
Everything from Disney and Universal to the hidden gems like Keg Social, rooftop bars and speakeasies is what makes this place so amazing! Not to mention the many aesthetic restaurants.
The cultural diversity also stands out to me. It’s insane how I’ll be submerged in Taco Tuesday, sipping tequila with my Hispanic besties and then the weekend rolls around and my Caribbean friends and I are eating beans, rice, plantains and drinking “Rum and Red Bull.”
Image Courtesy: Armoni Sloan
It’s like you turn to the left to see one world, and then turn to the right to be introduced to a completely new one. I appreciate it so much.
One day while at work an older lady discovered I moved to Orlando from out of state.
“Did you find whatever it was you were looking for?” she asked me.
“Yes,” I replied. And that moment solidified my contentment with one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made.
I learned that there’s no better time than now to chase that curiosity. Although adulting never seems to be a challenge that will disappear, my personal growth was prevalent and became my biggest achievement.
Whether I owe it to becoming more religious, having more meaningful friendships, growing financially, or even seeing so much more than before … I come from a place of deep gratitude because “The City Beautiful” has my heart.
Strike Out,
Orlando
Writer: Armoni Sloan
Editors: Nina Rueda & Hollis Humphrey
Armoni Sloan is a Journalist for Strike Magazine Orlando. When she’s not capturing moments through her camera lens or crafting other engaging content, you can find her working out, sipping matcha lattes, or indulging in some well-deserved retail therapy. You can reach her at dejasloan28@gmail.com or connect with her on TikTok and Instagram @armonisloan!
