My journey to Cherokee County started more than 4,000 miles away.
I’m originally from Spain, and when I decided to continue my education in the United States, I never imagined that a part of North Georgia would eventually feel like home.
Today, I’m a student at Reinhardt University either add in Waleska or add in Cherokee County, where I’m pursuing degrees in Marketing and Business Management while also competing as a member of the Reinhardt Men’s Volleyball team. This summer, I also had the opportunity to work as a Social Media Marketing Intern for the Destination Cherokee tourism initiative through the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, creating content and sharing stories that encourage visitors to discover everything this community has to offer. What’s interesting is that while my internship focused on promoting Cherokee County to others, it also helped me realize how much this place has shaped my own experience.
As a student-athlete, life moves quickly. Practices, workouts, classes, matches, assignments, and internships don’t leave much free time. That’s why I’ve learned to appreciate the small moments and the places that allow me to slow down and enjoy the community around me.
One of those places is wherever I can find a good cup of coffee.
Over the past few years, exploring local coffee shops has become one of my favorite hobbies. Whether I’m working on an assignment, editing content, or taking a break between responsibilities, I always find myself searching for a new café to try.
Two places that have become some of my favorites are Alma Coffee in Holly Springs and Bizarre Coffee in Canton. They’re completely different experiences, but that’s exactly what I love about Cherokee County. Every coffee shop has its own personality, atmosphere, and story, and discovering those places has become one of my favorite ways to connect with the community.
But if there’s one thing that’s just as important to me as coffee, it’s food.
Coming from Spain, sharing meals has always been a huge part of my culture. Food brings people together, creates conversations, and turns ordinary days into memorable experiences. Some of my favorite memories in Cherokee County have happened around a table with my teammates after practice. One of those moments was sharing a meal together at 7 Tequilas in Canton. Other times, we’re trying food trucks throughout the county.
Those meals have become much more than just dinner. They’ve become traditions.
The sport brought me to Reinhardt University, but Cherokee County gave me opportunities to experience life beyond the court. One of my favorite places to spend time is Etowah River Park. Some days, it’s where I go for a run. Other days, it’s where I attend community events, concerts, and local festivals. It’s one of those places that perfectly represents the spirit of Cherokee County, GA: active, welcoming, and always bringing people together.
And then there’s Lake Allatoona.
If I had to choose one place that represents summer in Cherokee County, it would probably be the lake. Some of my favorite days have been spent there with friends and teammates, playing games, enjoying the water, and taking a break from our busy schedules. As international students, many of us live thousands of miles away from our families, so these moments become incredibly important.
Looking back, I realize that Cherokee County became much more than the place where I attended college. It’s where I built friendships, discovered local businesses, explored new traditions, and created memories that I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
When I left Spain, I thought I was simply moving to Georgia to earn a degree and play volleyball. Instead, I found a second home.