Arizona’s centennial is approaching, but that doesn’t mean the state is old. In fact, Arizona is far from its prime.
Growth has slowed, but slow is a relative term. Arizona’s population increased by 1,465,404 from 1990 to 2000 and then by 1,261,385 from 2000 to 2010. People want to live here, no matter how bad the state has looked in the national spotlight.
There are problems in all 50 states, but Arizona’s recent national negative perception has fueled local loathing. Arizonans shouldn’t be ashamed to call this place home.
Parts of the state are improving and Gov. Jan Brewer said Arizona’s future is “better than ever” in her State of the State address Monday.
There are the parts of Arizona that shouldn’t be forgotten. Arizona has the advantage of an amazing climate. There is snow and dense forests two hours north of the Valley and a unique Sonoran desert only 45 minutes away. A beach is a six-hour drive and a foreign adventure is even less. The elderly sure do love the 75-degree winters.
No natural disasters are also a nice benefit.
It is also new enough to build for the future. The Valley’s infrastructure is set up to work with an expanding population. Driving from Apache Junction to Avondale may take more than an hour, but you won’t get lost along the way, unlike many other densely populated cities across the country.
Arizona is beautiful, it just can’t be seen through clouded, out-of-state eyes.
Arizona’s pride is most commonly found in its small cities. Winslow, Page and other smaller towns are full of people who have built homes, families and fully consider themselves Arizonan.
The Valley and ASU’s population is a different story. We are a society of transplants. Many have a different state or town they call home. They cheer for visiting teams and laugh at supposed local traditions.
ASU’s diversity can create a grand celebration, but it can be difficult to get out-of-state students interested in local history. However, that has not stopped ASU from trying to bring higher education to all parts of the state, reaching as far as Lake Havasu.
And yet, the transplants are helping the natives improve Arizona. The Grand Canyon State is a melting pot of Americans and different U.S. cultures. Parts of Mesa celebrate with green chilies, while parts of Scottsdale enjoy a southern style barbecue.
All should be celebrating on Feb. 14 because, no matter which tradition you decide to love this Valentine’s Day, we should all celebrate being Arizonans.
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