Showing Up for Chapel Hill
y family and I moved to Chapel Hill in 2014 from Blacksburg, Virginia, when I accepted a new role at Elon University after working at Virginia Tech. From the start, we knew we wanted to live in Chapel Hill. We were drawn to the energy of a college town, and the town’s connection to the broader Research Triangle felt like the right place to put down roots.
Like many people who move here, we quickly learned that finding a home in Chapel Hill isn’t easy. The market is competitive, and the process can feel overwhelming. But that experience also gave us our first real introduction to what “showing up” looks like in this community. We spent a lot of time with our real estate agent, Sharon Clarke, who didn’t just help us look at houses—she helped us learn the town. Along the way, she introduced us to many of Chapel Hill’s familiar places and local institutions, and through those early conversations and experiences, we began to feel welcomed and connected.
Since moving here, I’ve come to realize that this kind of showing up is woven into everyday life in Chapel Hill. It shows up in neighbors who take the time to get to know one another, in people who are thoughtful about their community, and in residents who choose to be engaged—even when it would be easier not to be. Being part of a place where showing up for each other feels normal has shaped how I think about community and responsibility. Watching how people here care for this town has challenged me to ask how I can do the same, and how I can show up in ways that are meaningful and lasting.
What Showing Up Looks Like for Me
One of the ways I plan to show up this year is by spending time listening and learning more deeply about the many perspectives that make up the Chapel Hill community. In 2026, I’ve committed to attending City Council meetings—not because I have all the answers, but because I believe good local leadership starts with understanding how decisions are made and who they affect.
Showing up, for me, means being present, paying attention, and approaching these conversations with an open mind. It means listening carefully, asking questions, and resisting the urge to rush to conclusions. Over time, I want to better understand the issues that matter most to people across town and how those concerns show up in public discussions.
My experience has taught me that thoughtful decisions come from taking the time to learn first. Before offering opinions or ideas, I believe it’s important to understand the history, the tradeoffs, and the voices already engaged in this work. This year is about familiarizing myself with the challenges and opportunities facing Chapel Hill—and about showing up consistently, with curiosity and respect, as I begin this process.
