In Houston:

I find the people, my family and culture inspiring. After living on the east coast for five years, I have come to appreciate the mornings when a stranger says good morning while sharing a trail during a run at Memorial Park. It took me a while to realize that Houston Hospitality is a thing—I cherish the small hellos and feeling welcomed and connected to those around me wherever I am.

Houston has seen me grow up and is the place I call home—even though I have lived in more places than I ever tell most people.

It is comforting to call Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the US, home. During the most memorable moments of my college life, I would always come back. I would work at a corporate law firm during breaks, hang out with family and return to school.

Returning during a raging pandemic is not what I pictured a few months ago, but I have seen this city bounce up before; I have no doubt it will again. After all, I have met some of the most hardworking and humble people in Houston (perhaps because of how diverse it is). Like what I've said--it is not the place but the people that help make a place feel like home.

My biggest hope coming back is to add to the creative energy of the city and to join the other creative geniuses; to inspire others to take their creative sides seriously—especially when it is something that inspires and raises the spirit of those around you.

Nelly and her sister Allison in Houston, Texas. Circa 2018

Photo c/o John Lopez