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Jeremiah Joseph is a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington studying health care, psychology, political science and law. (Drew Shaw | Fort Worth Report)
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By Jeremiah Joseph

When I first moved to my small apartment in downtown Arlington in August 2021 for college, I only saw it as a stepping stone to my ultimate goal: the University of Texas at Austin. My initial intent was to leave Arlington as soon as possible, and I arrived feeling some prejudice against UTA. I had no pride in attending the school for that year. I looked down on it.

At first, I felt like my prejudices were justified. Every night, I walked home from the library, watching cockroaches scatter under the streetlights, their shadows flickering like my doubts about this city. The smell of dumpsters baked in the Texas sun, the countless stains and damages in my apartment building and the city’s frustrating lack of public transport reinforced my negative views.

In spring 2022, when UTA’s student government faced impeachment scandals, I thought how hollow the school’s system was. It seemed to me that UTA and the city of Arlington could never rise to the standards of more renowned professionals. I viewed the school and city through the lens of a skeptic, refusing to see its potential and current good.

However, as I got more engaged, I realized that UTA held significant potential for my career. I began to see the beauty in the campus and the school. The university’s controversial history is part of its dynamic evolution. The inclusivity and accessibility of higher education at UTA are strengths, especially in an age where surface perceptions often outweigh character.

I also began to see the quality of character that people at UTA possessed. Despite the shortcomings I had noticed at first, there was beauty. So many people from different walks of life attended the school, and each brings unique stories and perspectives. I joined student organizations, participated in community events and started building meaningful connections. These experiences opened my eyes to the strength and resilience of the people around me.

After a year in Arlington, I felt a disconnect when I’d speak with peers from my hometown. The people I grew up with couldn’t match the resilience and heart of the community I now called home. I realized that the challenges and adversities we face in Arlington bind us together and make us stronger. The community, the support systems and the shared experiences forge a unique bond that I had never felt before with a city.

Around then, I realized Arlington had become my home. Despite its flaws, it was a place I was proud to be and remain to this day. The city that I once looked down upon had become a place of growth, transformation and belonging. I had found my community, my purpose and a sense of pride in being part of something greater than myself.

Arlington is more than just a city. It is a vibrant, evolving community that embraces diversity, challenges and growth. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to create something beautiful. And for that, I am grateful to call Arlington my home.

Jeremiah Joseph is a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington studying health care, psychology, political science and law. He currently works on various research projects with the university, and he plans to do a combined medical and law school program after graduating in 2025.

Arlington

Total population: 394,266Female: 51.01% | Male: 48.99%

Age0-9: 17%10-19: 11%20-29: 20%30-39: 13%40-49: 9%50-59: 8%60-69: 8%70-79: 9%80 and older: 5%

EducationNo degree: 15.8%High school: 24%Some college: 29.2%Bachelor’s degree: 20.7%Post-graduate: 10.3%

Arlington

RaceWhite: 35% | Asian: 8% | Hispanic: 31% | Black: 23% | Two or more: 14% | Other: 15%

Click on the link to view the schools’ Texas Education Agency ratings for schools within one mile:

Jean Massieu Academy

Carter JH

Uplift Summit International HS

Premier HS of Arlington

Premier HS of South Irving

Crow Leadership Academy

South Davis Elem

Swift Elem

Newman International Academy of Arlington Gibbins

Arlington HS

Berry Elem

Blanton Elem

Rankin Elem

Speer Elem

Webb Elem

Wimbish World Language Academy