Hola, Marshall. Mi Casa es Tu Casa

My name is Carlos Restrepo. I recently started working as a reporter for the Marshall Democrat-News.

In the few days I have lived here, I have already fallen in love with this community. From the nice and fun public servants at the county commission and Marshall City Council, to the deep-rooted history of this town. I can tell there a lot of people to meet and a lot of stories I am excited to tell.

I wanted to introduce myself to all of you and tell you that you will always have an attentive ear with me; if there is an issue, story or festivity that you would want to share with me, do not hesitate to contact me.

Also, I would like to use this blog to explore the issues and stories behind Marshall's growing migrant community.

As you have probably guessed from my name (and if you have met me, from my funny accent), I was not born in America.

I arrived in St. Louis nearly eight years ago from my native city of Medellin, Colombia, in South America.

That one hot, summer night I arrived in Lambert Airport, I had a bag full of dreams and hopes for the adventure of coming to America -- the country where every goal you have can become a reality.

Eight years later, here I am, fulfilling my dream of being a reporter, attempting to share with you via this newspaper the everyday life of this city and county.

Mi casa es tu casa. My home is your home.

I already feel at home.

Sincerely,

Carlos Restrepo.