You should love the place you call home. Westlake won me over. My husband and I moved from Miami 13 years ago when I became the morning anchor at 19 News. We traded sunshine and flip-flops for a snow shovel and boots. I wanted to live in a community close to downtown, easy to get to, but one that was also a family-friendly community, with shopping, great schools and a library. The city’s schools provide an excellent education with teachers and staff who really care about the students. It’s a special type of connection that gives this city a small-town feel.
During the coronavirus pandemic, I was getting ready for work one afternoon when I got a call from my son’s teacher. My first thought was, Oh no, I’m not getting this distance learning thing down! But, to my surprise, she was just checking in to see how I and other parents were holding up. Wow! A teacher with an entire classroom to set up lesson plans for, checking to see how I’m dealing with these uncertain times. She kindly listened, as I released a roller coaster of emotions. We both exchanged a few laughs before ending the call.
That call was followed up by a postcard to my son expressing how she couldn’t wait to hear what he’s been doing during his quarantined spring break. It was another reminder, like the welcome mat outside a front door inviting guests into your home, that this community sticks together. School is like my kids’ home away from home, with people who feel like extended family, and even in uncertain times, it’s good to know the welcome mat is always out in Westlake.
Tiffani Tucker is the evening anchor at 19 News. She's lived in Westlake for 13 years with her husband, mom and two children. The former Ice Dancing National Medalist also loves to bake and has her own bundt cake business called Have A Slice.
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