Philadelphia- The City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia is a large city on the east coast of the United States that embodies American work and patriotism. Despite living about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia, the city has contributed to the person I am today. Also known as the “ City of Brotherly Love”, Philadelphia is known for its blue-collar work and the historically significant events that have happened in Philly.

Philadelphia is historically significant because both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed there. Hundreds of years after these events, the city is filled with patriotic means, which encapsulates the true beginnings of the Philadelphian people. I am blessed to live in an area that holds such significance and it has taught me to appreciate where our country comes from, how we have developed, and the actions we still must take to fully embody what being an American truly means.

Because of Philadelphia's rich history, it is widely known as a blue-collar city. The city is filled with working-class citizens that are ultimately the backbone of the American Economy. Watching my father work 12-hour days in Philadelphia every day growing up has taught me that you must work extremely hard to achieve your goals and that nothing in life is given. His work and dedication to his craft have enabled me to become a first-generation college student and student-athlete at an Ivy League Institution. This is something that I could have never achieved without the hard work of my dad. Stories like these can be seen throughout the city, which is why, by nature, Philadelphia is truly a blue-collar city. Philadelphia also has a rich culture and most notably, is filled with the best sports fans in the world who are as free-spirited as one can be.

Philadelphia has a rich sports history and tradition, which is why being a Philly sports fan is so exciting. Philadelphia sports fans are widely known for their passionate and dedicated fan base. Through thick and thin, Philly sports fans are dedicated to their teams and support them no matter the circumstance. The tough and gritty attitude that most Philly sports fans possess is a metaphor for the entire city. As mentioned before, Philadelphia is known for its blue-collar work and hard-working nature. Philadelphia fans demand that players are tough and work hard for the overall team's success. This expectation is what makes Philadelphia such a great sports city. Being a Philadelphia sports fan is how I have connected with the city the most. Every year I go to a handful of baseball games, where I tailgate and appreciate the atmosphere of the fan base and city. Overall, Philadelphia sports fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the world and play a significant role in creating an unforgettable experience for both players and fans alike.

As previously mentioned, Philadelphia has a rich culture and atmosphere. Philadelphia is a multicultural city with a thriving arts and culture scene. There is always something to see and do in the city, including top-notch theaters, museums, and street art. Above all, Philadelphia food is well-known, especially its cheese steak and soft pretzels. Along with several well-regarded restaurants and distinctive regional eateries, the city is home to a booming gastronomy culture. Philadelphia is also home to many cultural icons. Most notably, Kobe Bryant, Meek Mill, Kevin Hart, and Will Smith were all born and raised in the city of Philadelphia. Taylor Swift also grew up about 20 minutes outside of the city. These icons are proud of where they grew up as they often are seen back in the city. Most notably, Meek Mill led the Eagles out of the locker room during the 2018 super bowl, and Taylor Swift sang the national anthem during the 2008 World Series for the Phillies. It is easy to see that these celebrities are proud of where they came from and they appreciate the city for what it truly is.

Philadelphia to me symbolizes so much more than just a big east coast city. The extensive history and hardship must be appreciated for what people have gone through to make it such a beautiful place. The “ City of Brotherly Love” is a place where people struggle, but make it through with toughness and grit. The city just has this effect on people. Ultimately, Philadelphia is not the cleanest, safest, or wealthiest city, but it is a city that must demand respect for the process it has endured. I view my life and the way I carry myself similarly, and people ultimately respect that about me. I am grateful Philadelphia has helped to instill such great qualities in me like hard work and determination. Nothing in life is given and everything must be earned, and Philadelphia is a great example of that.