# data[].attributes.body
Back in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, Portland and Vancouver communities alike stood together to march and protest for the end of police brutality and the start of racial equality. With the power of unity and social media, neighboring counties were able to organize peaceful protests to show political figures in charge that we will not rest until their abuses of power have come to an end. During this time, I was reminded of how change can be created by taking advantage of every resource we have, including social media. Since then, many laws and reforms have been underway and we have been taking steps in the right direction for racial equality.

# data[].attributes.body
According to The Columbian, Washington has ranked among the least-religious states in the country, as just under 40% of the population in Vancouver are non-religious. I grew up in a Catholic family that attended church every Sunday morning for almost three hours. As I got older, I branched out and tried attending my own churches in English, which I understand more than Spanish-speaking churches, but did not hold onto it for very long. Although I do have faith in God, I do not affiliate myself with any specific religion, as part of that may be due to a lack of religious education. According to studies, it seems that my community is straying further away from religious practices year by year. https://www.columbian.com/news/2018/apr/20/washingtonians-are-less-religious-than-ever-gallup-poll-finds/

# data[].attributes.body
Vancouver and Evergreen Public Schools have been at it for almost 200 years, pioneering the education system for their Clark County residents. According to the Vancouver School District website, a community-based technology levy has allowed for a one-to-one digital learning tool ratio for students by the year 2017. Due to their continuous efforts, the National School Boards Association has selected the city of Vancouver as a techology visitation site three times in the last three decades. https://vansd.org/mission/

# data[].attributes.body
As research continues to develop and evolve the behavioral health of the general public, Vancouver has been able to adapt and mold with the changes. There has been a surge in many treatment facilities, along with mental health programs according to Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/bha/division-state-hospitals/clark-county-community-based-facility

# data[].attributes.body
At almost half a million residents and counting, Vancouver's local economy continues to grow and entice people from neighboring cities to re-home themselves here. Vancouver's largest employers are PeaceHealth, Vancouver and Evergreen Public School Districts, Vancouver Clinic, and Ilani Resorts, according to the Portland Real Estate website https://www.portlandrealestate.com/blog/vancouver-wa-economy/ Due to economic growth, Vancouver's population continues to rise, which means more land is being converted to housing and public storage.

# data[].attributes.body
This is new development in downtown Vancouver, WA, the city I was born in and currently reside in. There has been much new development in recent years which makes me wonder what my city will look like in the near future.

# data[].attributes.body
Vancouver, WA has a wide mix of cultures that all come together to form a diverse community that is evolving every day.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Culture, Art & Heritage | City of Vancouver, Washington, USA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vancouver is home to a growing and ever-evolving cultural ecosystem, with a variety of artists, arts and cultural organizations, institutions of higher education, a historical museum, a national historic site, and other arts and cultural venues such as festivals, outdoor concerts and markets and a m…

# data[].attributes.body
I was born in Vancouver, WA in 1997. I grew up in Portland, OR, until the age of thirteen. I have been back and forth between Vancouver and different areas of Oregon, and each time I have returned to Vancouver, it looked brand new.

# data[].attributes.body
Vancouver, WA is home to many different environments and ecosystems. Growing up in the area, I always loved swimming and hiking new trails. The idea of new development for housing and industries makes me wonder how much longer it will all be here.