Cynicism not getting job done in Warren

DEAR EDITOR:

As a graduate of the 2007 class of Warren G. Harding High School, I am writing with the heaviest of hearts.

Since going away to pursue my education at Ohio University, I have done my best to keep up with what is going on in Warren by reading the online version of the Tribune Chronicle. Having gone away to Ohio’s ‘‘First and Finest’’ university, I have met people from all over the United States and the world, which has been a truly enriching experience. Then I consider myself. I am from Warren, a product of the public school system. I graduated 60th out of a class of 330 and I am not ashamed to say it. Entering college I already had credits from the International Baccalaureate program previously offered through Harding. I have excelled over many of my classmates from much more ‘‘prominent’’ school districts. Making the Dean’s List while studying at a Scripps Journalism School and double-majoring in play writing is not easy, but I am managing to maintain it.

I say all of this to show that Warren is not the decrepit crack house many people describe. Reading through the comments on the Tribune Chronicle’s online edition literally brings a tear to my eye as I watch assumed adults bash and slander the only place I have ever called home. They bicker relentlessly about poor conditions in Warren and its facilities.

The ongoing battle of ‘‘Old Harding’’ elicits claims that people are scared to go downtown in fear of being robbed or murdered. I have been walking around Warren for 18 years and never once have been as afraid as I am when I hear the degrading marks being made about this great city.

Warren has its rough spots, ugly spots and dilapidated spots, there is no denying that. The truth is that it is never going to get better if people don’t stand up and do something. I put full faith in Congressman Tim Ryan when he says that this Valley needs change and the time for change is now.

Let those brave enough to stay here stand behind Warren and all her beauty. Go see shows at the amphitheater, support local businesses and browse the Trumbull Art Gallery. I have left home with full intentions of coming back and helping Warren reach its full potential.

Maybe it’s just naive hopes of an 18 year-old dreamer fed up with the pessimism of a different generation, but I see potential here and I refuse to give up.

It doesn’t take much to sit at a computer and complain. It takes real courage to do something. I commend the Save Harding committee for taking action in a time where not many people are willing to.

I’d like it if just one person reads this and realizes that Warren can produce more than juvenile delinquents and drug dealers. Warren has produced the future of America, and I am proud to be a part of that and say I am from Warren, Ohio.

Mary Megan Fishel

Warren