By NAYELI CARRILLO/Staff Writer
I have asked my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, “Why Tyler?” Out of all the cities in Texas, furthermore, all the cities in the United States, why choose to live here? The response varied but it led to the same conclusion; A sister’s husband’s cousin’s neighbor emigrated from Mexico, chasing the American dream and just happened to stay here. Neighbors, cousins, spouses and sisters shortly followed. Because of one person’s decision, Tyler is where I was born, raised, and educated.
Having lived in Tyler my entire life, it is safe to say I never quite knew how big my hometown was. Being in the shadow of the DFW area, growing up I considered Tyler to be a small town. However, incoming students preparing to call Tyler home during their years at the University of Texas at Tyler can expect heavy traffic, inconsistent weather, year-round events, and most importantly an abundance of wildlife here in the piney woods. The fact that Tyler has two public school districts, private schools, as well as a community college and a university depicts the grandeur of the population. This consequently explains the heavy traffic witnessed during the weekday morning and afternoon hours. Being conscientious of traffic is beneficial, especially as a commuter. Forecasts aren’t always dependable. It is no secret that East Texas is home to unpredictable extreme weather. UT Tyler students can expect freezing cold temperatures that leave a person desperately pleading for the Texas sun. Almost as a consequence, it seems that each year, summer weather gets hotter. Fall and Spring just might be the perfect in-between. Dressing appropriately such as layering and carrying an umbrella is key. Events such as the Tyler’s Rose and Christmas Parade, the Fall and Spring Fair, as well as others coordinated to celebrate holidays, bring the Tyler community together.
Newcomers to Tyler can look forward to year-round events that will be occurring. Chirping birds, blooming flowers, and the smell of pollinators busy at work are just a fraction of what students will witness while living in Tyler. Rose City offers a landscape worth describing; such as the tall trees, rolling hills, and deep lakes. The countryside sports its fair share of animals, ranging from bulls to sheep. Tyler’s image is characterized by its growing population, its everchanging climate, strength in community, and beauty. Because of a person’s decision to set roots here, I am proud to call Tyler home. Incoming students new to our city can expect a welcoming environment that will nurture their minds as they prepare to venture on their journey through higher education.
