I didn't grow up in the Cinncinnati area specifically but Akron, OH is not that far away. The stories are similar. These are hard working, friendly and virtuous people that grew up on values that if you worked hard good things will happen.

However, it's not turning out to be the case any longer. I am so grateful and luckily to have found my way into computers at a young age. I really feel for my neighbors and family who are in similar situations.

I grew up in this place and I feel very proud to call it my home, I left it years ago but it's a special place.

It's hard to describe this feeling to anyone that didn't grow up in the rustbelt. It's so easy to take for granted the things you have and the money you made in our tech bubble. Outside of it there are many real people facing insurmountable odds to make ends meet with limited options for themselves.

I try to keep these things in mind whenever I think I'm having a bad day.