I never planned to say goodbye to the town that taught me so much in such little time.
Friday was my last day at The Journal as I leave International Falls to head back to the Twin Cities, where I grew up around a large family. Although I have come to love the Falls, I learned I need to be closer to my loved ones and my roots.
Before I go, I wanted to explain how International Falls has changed my life. Moving here last year is a choice I don’t regret, and I would do it over again if given the option. In fact, it changed my life for the better in many ways.
It’s where I learned how to pull myself up by my bootstraps and realize that if you love life, it really will love you back.
Living here took me out of my comfort zone from day one. When you’re comfortable with your surroundings, you don’t think about who you are and where you are in life as often as you would when you are in a place so different than what you’re used to. You don’t grow. Going outside your comfort zone forces you to grow. This is exactly what happened to me.
Anyone can tell you that the Falls is away from the hustle and bustle of city life — away from the distractions. This quietness left me alone with my thoughts often. My reflections and the people I’ve met along the way taught me that life is a beautiful opportunity and that appreciating the small things helps you get through hard times.
International Falls has paved the way for who I will be. People in the community take the time to listen to one another. And through my job, I learned valuable lessons from people in the area about their own experience. International Falls has been the best teacher of life lessons to me.
I have never seen a community so passionate about important issues and was taken aback by the care that residents extend to the place they call home. It’s been inspiring to be around people who understand that everyday people coming forward to work on various improvements makes for a strong community. Because if one person does not take action, you can’t assume that someone else will. This mindset of leadership is one I will carry with me for a lifetime.
I will miss the warm and kind, welcoming attitude from the community that I’ve gotten accustomed to. Leaving the area I’ve called home for more than a year will be one of the hardest things I’ll ever do.
International Falls taught me about the value of family, and the importance of holding your loved ones close. Going back to my family will mean so much more to me because of my experience in International Falls.
Family and friends in the Twin Cities have told me they are glad I lived in International Falls — they’ve seen a drastic change. I leave with a better attitude about life, a stronger faith that there are always good things to appreciate, and that even when things don’t go my way, it all turns out OK.
Although I will miss the peace of the quietness, I’ve also missed things like the sound of traffic to calm me, and the buzz of constant conversation that still puts me at ease.
And as my colleague Emily Gedde put it, “Let’s face it, Liala, you need skyscrapers.”
I came to International Falls with the attitude that I will go wherever life takes me. And I am glad life took me to the Falls. I consider my experience here a blessing, and plan to be back to visit the place that will always have a special place in my heart.
