A Story of Astoria
From a Local Astorian
This year, I resolved to learn one new topic deeply every month. When I wrote down my resolutions, I emphasized the word “obsessive” because I didn’t want to just skim the surface; I wanted to immerse myself in each subject and truly understand it. To choose my topics, I let myself be guided by whatever was happening in my life, whether it was upcoming travel, an intriguing article, or social events on my calendar.
In March, my friend asked me to give him a tour of my neighborhood, Astoria. I’ve lived in this vibrant, diverse enclave my whole life and have shown friends around before, but I realized that I didn’t know much about the history of Astoria or what makes it so special. So, I decided to make Astoria my topic for the month and dive deep into its past, present, and future.
What a transformative experience it turned out to be! I now see my neighborhood with fresh eyes every time I go for a run or walk, noticing details and nuances I’d never paid attention to before. By learning about Astoria’s rich cultural heritage, I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation for the people and places that make it such a gem.
I’ve been lucky enough to share my newfound knowledge with others by leading walking tours for community groups and friends. It’s been a joy to see their faces light up as I point out the…