My name is Amy Helmendach and I am delighted to start my journey as one of the editorial writers for the East Tennessean. I am a senior undergraduate student majoring in sociology at ETSU. I chose the university because of its small-town feel, and am impressed by the continued helpfulness and kindness of the staff and students. While I am a California native, Tennessee is the place I call home, and I have lived here long enough to consider myself a Tennessean. The more I travel, the more I realize how breathtaking east Tennessee is and how remarkable its people are.

(Contributed/Amazon)

While at work, a group of colleagues and I were discussing how words are said in the southern U.S.- that “Tennessee twang” that I love to hear- and one of the women said, “We call your kind of people transplants!” It tickled me so much that I decided to take on the name and resolved that it is ok to be a little bit “Tennessee” and a little bit “transplant.” Being transplanted to the south allows me to continually appreciate and be awestruck by the picturesque Smoky Mountains and morning sunrises that cast a silver lining on my daily commute to work. In addition, I enjoy getting out and finding a local greenway to venture down, a nearby festival to attend or simply striking up a conversation with a stranger who can teach me something new about life and how they’re living it.

Photo of the Great Smokey Mountains. (Contributed/naturalretreats.com)

My section covers a broad range of all things Tennessee, from the outdoor life, trails, rivers and towns worth exploring, to noteworthy people and programs that leave an imprint on myself and our community. I will also touch on some of the social problems that plague our region and ways that departments at our school, and nearby organizations help to create lasting change in Appalachia and its surrounding area. After all, we are “The Volunteer State.” I look forward to taking this adventure with y’all!

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