The following is a reflection on the I AM YOU ARE WE ARE series by Erin Gregory
I grew up north of Danville but have had ties to this town all my life. Originally, I went to Holy Family Catholic School, and growing up my grandparents would bring us to Danville every Friday night for an ice cream from Custard Cup. When Holy Family closed their doors, I transferred to Rossville Alvin Grade School, where I became friends with some amazing people. Since Rossville doesn’t have a high school, I chose to go to Bismarck Henning where I was on the track and volleyball teams and built connections with more beautiful souls.
I graduated in 2020 with the other “Covid kids”. I moved to Chicago that fall and loved it, however, I did get homesick for Vermilion County. I moved back home in January of 2023, and while being home, I found that Vermilion County was my safe space. Since moving back, I started working at Starbucks and for the City of Danville as the Community Relations Professional Intern. In March of 2022, I was put in charge of writing the I am. You are. We are. (IYW) stories and helping with graphics, flyers, and hosting the First Fridays and Fall Festival events.
Writing the IYW stories has shown me the beauty of the people in Vermilion County and why making a home here is an amazing option. While writing these stories I have gotten to know some astounding members of the community; from people who volunteer at city or neighborhood events to those who use their positions to help others get on their feet and on the path to success. I hope that reading these stories has restored faith in the people of Vermilion County and has cast a beautiful light on those who make life here better.
In the future I am hopeful that we can continue doing work like this. I feel like the IYW initiative brought people together and gave them something to be proud of locally. I am hopeful that Vermilion County can come together and continue to support each other and cheer everyone on as we continue to grow as a community. While writing these articles, I was reassured that the future of Vermilion County is bright, with everyone continually helping their neighbors and supporting their communities we can grow into a beautiful place where people can settle down and grow their lives.
Thank you to Ashton and Nicole for starting this and to the many people whose stories we have been able to highlight through it all.
Erin Gregory
