Finding common interests has helped both of them make new friends and fall in love with this city. “At first, my wife experienced some culture shock. But now, she’s gotten used to the pace here and it’s been mentally, so great,” says Divins. Divins says his friends and family aren’t surprised about his move to New Orleans. An adventure-seeking world traveler, he muses that the complicated and complex nature of New Orleans is appealing and is sometimes hard to explain to those who don’t appreciate those qualities. “If you take the sheen out of New Orleans, the gritty, sexy sheen that ccoovveerr ssttoorryy outsiders generally see, you are exposed to some of the tarnish, and that particular quality makes me want to be here even more,” he says. As a newsman reluctantly having to report on some negative stories, Divins still finds the balance he needs when he presents incredibly positive stories of life in the city. It’s that side of New Orleans he likes to emphasize. The diverse nature of the city’s character appeals to Divins, and he says that’s what makes a neighborhood more interesting and great to live in. He enjoys living Uptown and has gotten to know his neighbors, once again referencing the concept of a small community, such as a neighborhood or a street, inside a larger community. Divins’ keen awareness of others has helped him to be able to decipher who is from New Orleans, and who is not. “Locals are very friendly,” he says, adding that he appreciates how welcome he has felt in the city. From co-workers, to next-door neighbors, to servers and folks he passes on the street, Divins says the welcome he has received in the Big Easy has, in turn, enabled him to connect with a great many New Orleanians. It’s those kinds of interactions that keeps Divins keen on staying in the city and why he says New Orleans is a natural fit. Divins has hosted many amazing events held to connect and support this great city. “I am always open to and looking for the next event or opportunity to work with the people and organizations shaping the future of New Orleans,” he emphasized. �� PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIONCA FLOT SYKES 22 | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | breakthrumediamagazine.com J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
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