As a non-Charlottean and self-proclaimed history nerd, the Charlotte Bus Tour hosted by Charlotte Crown Guides was exactly what I had been looking for since moving to the Queen City. I took thorough notes on my iPhone to share the fun facts with family and colleagues at a later time. In fact, I plan to take my parents on a similar tour on their next trip down south. I value the larger gift that the bus tour gave me – a greater appreciation for my adopted home.
As a provisional, navigating the levels and opportunities of the The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) can be a challenge. Slowly but surely, I am learning how I can contribute. In order to truly understand an organization, it is important to learn about its history. The bus tour taught me how influential the JLC has been throughout Charlotte’s history and how it helped it evolve into the city it is today. The women who came before us have helped create city staples in Charlotte’s culture including the Duke Mansion, the Charlotte Nature Museum, and Discovery Place, just to name a few. Our legacy in this community gives me confidence that the current generations of the League can too have a lasting impact on the community. For every positive mark the JLC has made, the tour showed us how far the city has to go. There are still problems that need to be solved in Charlotte.
But I can confidently say that the bus tour gave me a sense of pride in my new home. And even more so, knowing I have joined a female-powered organization that is focused on continuing to develop the potential of this city, as well as my own, is an even greater point of pride.
Written by Bridget Hegg, Provisional Member
