"I wasn't born here, but I got here as quick as I could." That saying captures my feelings about moving to East Tennessee just over two years ago. Apparently I'm not alone in that sentiment. Blount County is growing by leaps and bounds, as people from all parts of the country flood its borders. For some, it is the beauty of the area-the mountains, lakes, woods, and pastures that draws us. For others, it is the growth of industry and business, as companies relocate here.

It must be difficult to see your community change in so many ways-to see the influx of people from other parts of the United States and the world. It amazes me how the people of East Tennessee reach out their hands to strangers, helping us get settled in their own polite way. As a relative newcomer, I am grateful to the people who have welcomed me, given me information and support, and made allowances for my strange ways.

I suppose there are people who move into this community who don't realize that we are the ones who "talk funny." I know that I'm the one with an accent. And I'm the one with strange habits and ways. I do sometimes feel like a foreign exchange student, learning as quickly as I can about different foods, a different language, and a different culture. I'm grateful to the people of Blount County who teach me, and who overlook my blundering ways. I know that "I'm not from around here," but I feel very fortunate to be able to share this place and this culture, for I think it is very special.

Of course, I picked this place to live, out of all the other places I could have chosen. Not everyone who moves here comes because they want to. Some, who have been transferred because of a job or spouse's job, may miss their friends and their own hometown. It can be lonely moving to a new place, as it takes a long time to become part of the community, and to fit in. Close relationships build slowly, and for some, it may be tough not to become discouraged, to want to give up and move away. It takes time to know where to go for things, and to build a support network.

If you are a newcomer, there are lots of ways to build support and become part of the community. Join a church, get involved at your children's school, join community organizations or clubs. Try offering your time and energy to others. However, make sure your expectations are realistic. Fitting in and feeling comfortable doesn't happen overnight. Remember that you do have something to offer the community, just as it has something to offer you. Gradually, over time, it will begin to feel more like home.

While you are getting used to being part of the community, let the people who reach out to you know how much you appreciate them. Return the favor by reaching out to others yourself. One way to become part of the community is to practice the Southern hospitality and warmth that is so characteristic of East Tennessee.

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Maryville at Cove Mountain Counseling. In addition to working with children and adults in individual and family therapy, Dr. Pucci and her colleague, Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW offer a workshop entitled "You're Not From Around Here, Are You?" Linda can be reached at 983-7544 or through www.covemountaincounseling.com.

Copyright ©2000 Linda Pucci.