As I stand in my childhood neighborhood of Harlandale, I am reminded of the values that shaped me: discipline, perseverance, curiosity, and faith in education. These values were learned here, long before I attended Ivy League schools.
A Community That Endures
Harlandale may not be the most prestigious neighborhood in San Antonio, but it is a place where community is built on small acts of friendship, generosity, and trust. Neighbors look out for one another, and the bonds forged in childhood often last a lifetime.
I left Harlandale as a teenager, but I returned years later to find that the essence of the community remained. The neighborhood has changed, with new families and businesses, but the sense of belonging and connection to the people and the place remains strong.
My earliest memories are tied to places that no longer exist, such as the laundromat on Pleasanton Road and Wilson’s Book Store. But the memories and lessons learned from those places continue to shape me today.
A Sense of Belonging
Harlandale High School remains at the heart of the community, with a lifelong attachment to the school and the people who shared it. The phrase ‘Once an Indian, Always an Indian’ reflects a deeper connection to the place and the people.
As I look around my neighborhood, I see a community that is alive with new stories and new generations. But the values that have always defined Harlandale remain: a strong sense of community, a commitment to education, and a faith in the importance of family and friendship.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
