The Where I Live series aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet? Get in touch to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.
Four long years ago, my family and I moved to Woodridge, a neighborhood in northwest San Antonio named for its plentiful trees. As a 7-year-old wanting to make new friends, I admit I was disappointed when I found out almost everyone in the neighborhood was retired.
But, thanks to our wonderful neighbors, what was once a strange, scary neighborhood, became the beautiful home I now love.
My family became good friends with a kind, older lady named Jane. Every morning, Jane would walk her adorable dog, Nugget. Jane is very energetic and loves to hike, camp and laugh. I love her! Our family likes to go out to eat and talk with Jane. It’s always super fun.
We also got to know Rick and his wife, Lori. Many people find the police scary, but Rick is the nicest policeman I’ve ever met. He gives us popsicles when we are outside, and he gives us presents. Even if he and his wife are very busy, they always find time for us.
In the house on the block down lives lovely Ruth. She’s 95 years old and so kind. And she loves the sushi we often make for her. When Ruth fell and broke her leg, we visited her at the nursing home and played piano and violin for her. We even sang! No matter what happens in life, open your heart with a good attitude.
One day, we saw someone was moving in one house away. I hoped and hoped for someone my age, someone I could talk and play with. God answered my prayers! My friend from school, Liviya, moved in, and this year we are best friends. Her parents are so kind and her sister, Nyomi, hangs out with my sister, Rebekah. We play volleyball together all the time.
Another part of my neighborhood is a swimming pool, a basketball court and a tennis court. We swim and play there all the time. Now that it’s summer, I love cheering on my friends on the swim team. There’s a pavilion next to the tennis court where everyone meets and greets each other or gathers for movie nights and the Fourth of July parade.
Only three minutes away from Woodridge is my church, I go to First Chinese Baptist Church, and so do many of my friends. There are a lot of activities for the youth. We also have Vacation Bible School in the summer. I love my church and the people in it, too.
Another big part of my life is my school. I go to Great Hearts Forest Heights. It’s only five minutes away from home. That makes it very convenient when my parents need to pick me up for after-school sports and clubs. A lot of activities are hosted at my school. And a lot of my friends are either from school or church.
My sister and I also take music lessons nearby. I’ve been taking piano lessons for three years now, and my sister takes violin lessons. It’s fun to go together!
I love my neighborhood and will always remember it no matter how old I get. Though Woodridge is a great place to live — even my cat, Finn, loves it! — it’s the people who make it special.
