Cynthia Horton, a new member of the Optimist Park neighborhood, reflects on her childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina and notes regret that her decision to marry early prevented her from going to college. She discusses her impression that the Optimist Park neighborhood is gentrifying and predicts that current residents will not be able to continue to live in the area. Ms. Horton talks about her work at University Meadows Elementary School as a head cook, and her passion for working with children. She also describes the work she has done through her church, New St. John's Baptist Church, and discusses the quality of life in Optimist Park, noting the area's many older residents. Ms. Horton remarks on significant positive change in Charlotte, including the construction of new parks, schools, and neighborhoods.
