In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to become disconnected from the heartbeat of your community. Yet, encouraging the growth of strong connections with local officials, leaders, and neighbors is not just a good idea—it’s vital for fostering a sense of belonging and building a resilient, supportive community. Here’s how you can get to know the people who shape your community:
I had the chance to learn about Melissa Thompson, a prominent figure in our community. Not only is she the director of Bibb County Sav-A-Life, but she’s also a devoted mother. Melissa, alongside her daughter Grace and son Luke, has connected harmoniously into our neighborhood. Grace is embarking on her freshman year at Delta State University in Mississippi, while Luke is thriving as a junior at Bibb County High School.
To reach deeper into Melissia’s personality, I posed a variety of random questions across different topics and subjects. Let’s see what insights she shares.
If your life were a movie, which actor would you choose to play you and why? “Melissa McCarthy! I think she is hilarious although most people don’t get my actual sense of humor. That’s a joke (wink).”
If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would it be? “Salvador Dali for sure. He was very eccentric in his life and eclectic with his thinking.”
What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you? “’You can’t break broke.’ My grandfather’s advice to me about fixing things which poured over from tinkering to life in general. He encouraged me to think outside the box and try something even if I don’t know how. If it’s already broken you can’t break it, so at least you can try to fix it.”
If you were given a chance to switch careers for a week, what would you choose to do? “Something in the way of a True Crime Detective or Forensic Science. I have so much experience just from all the series and podcasts that get my attention daily!”
If you could magically solve one problem in your community or industry overnight, what would it be? “Apathy.”
What’s your favorite way to unwind and relax after a busy day or week? “Relax on the couch with a good murder mystery.”
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? What period would you visit? “I would go into the past, sometime before cell phones but after indoor plumbing!”
If you described your leadership style using a movie title, what would it be? “The Lion King. I’d like to think that my leadership is based on serving others.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to benefit your community or business? “Time manipulation. There are so many things that I learned after the fact that I wish I could go back with the present knowledge to do a better job.”
Thank you, Melissa, for your openness in sharing with us. It helps us to better understand you!
Asking questions is much more than a simple task; it’s a gateway to deeper connections and a richer understanding of our communities. Through genuine curiosity and thoughtful inquiry, we open doors to a wealth of knowledge, perspectives, and stories that might otherwise remain hidden. Whether the questions are lighthearted or intense, they serve as bridges between individuals, encouraging empathy and strengthening the bonds within our communities. So, let’s continue to ask, to listen, and to learn, for in that place lies the true essence of community building.
