Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1528203
6 Macon is love! As I moved into Boone Hall during my first year at Mercer, I was mainly focused on getting settled, making friends, and going to classes. I hadnʼt thought much about exploring Macon beyond Mercerʼs campus. A er the first week of classes, my friends and I went to the Rookery for dinner, and from there I began exploring more and more. I discovered that the worldʼs best bagels are at Macon Bagels. I watched a hockey game for the first time, cheering on Macon Mayhem. I explored Coleman Hill Park and felt like a little kid again, playing on the cheerios. I saw the most beautiful cherry blossoms and experienced the Cherry Blossom Festival. Macon has so much to off er. During my sophomore year Civic and Community Journalism class, I off icially fell in love with Macon. For my assignments and interviews, I could not use anyone I already knew as a source, so I got the opportunity to get to know the people of this tight-knit community through my work in that class. I went to the absolutely breathtaking Grand Opera House for a tribute to Otis Redding. There, I observed other news outlets interviewing local leaders and trailblazers. While completing my journalism assignments, I saw what it was like to be a professional in the industry, and I experienced the warmth of the Macon community. My friends and I frequented the farmers market every week, enjoyed the annual Christmas Lights Extravaganza, and seized every opportunity to discover new locales. Being pushed out of my comfort zone through my class helped me discover the rich tradition, history, and culture that Macon has to off er. Wri en by: Taleen Hanna Macon Magazine Intern Taleen's Guide: How our undergrad guest editor fell in love with Macon Macon Magazine