Resident praises Auburn’s community, schools and arts programs during public comment

A resident who identified herself only as "Resident" told attendees that Auburn’s "deep sense of community" and local arts and education opportunities helped her integrate after moving from India in 2018.

"The most charming part about Auburn City is its deep sense of community," Resident said. She described arriving in the United States in 2018 and feeling anxious about work, social acceptance and opportunities, but said that six years later she is "so proud of what I have done in this city" because of community support.

During the public comment period, the resident said she has worked with people of all ages in a variety of roles. She said she has been employed by Auburn City Schools, has taught university students, runs dance classes at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center dance studio and has taught at summer art camps organized by the Auburn Arts Association. She also described presenting Indian cultural programming at local events and said audiences have "very nicely accepted it and enjoy it."

The speaker praised the city’s education and cultural offerings, saying Auburn "has art, it has education" and referring to the presence of higher education in the city. She said the community includes multiple nationalities and described Auburn as "the loveliest village on the plane," concluding her remarks, "I simply love Auburn. Namaste. Auburn is easy to love and hard to leave."

The remarks were delivered during the meeting’s public comment slot and did not include a request for a formal action or city decision.