Robert Bellando

Hello! My name is Robert, but I go by Bobby. My whole life, I can’t remember living anywhere longer than eight years. I know in theory eight years may sound like a long time, but in practice it feels like a flash. I was born in Texas, but I don’t think I’d call myself a proper Texan, and I’d bet money the people of Texas would agree with me. I moved away when I was four, just a hop, skip, and a jump away to the little college town of Conway, Arkansas. Besides the swamp-like humidity and forty-five-minute drive to the grocery store, Arkansas was a wonderful place to grow up as a kid. The great outdoors is alive and well in Arkansas. Between the treehouse my brother and I built with our dad and the creek that ran through the forest, we never had a boring day as kids.

Leaving Arkansas was bittersweet because that was home at the time. That was where I had all my teachers, friends, and family. I had a tough time, but I soon found myself nestled in the East Bay surrounded by the sprawling metropolis that is the Bay Area, far from those rural Arkansas woodlands. It took years to get over that kind of culture shock. Everything was different. The way people spoke, the way they dressed, the way they viewed the world, it was all just so different from anything I had experienced. I still remember going to San Francisco for the first time, and being completely overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and people. Clearly, none of that discouraged me, because California is where I spent the most time.

Georgia has been the most recent adventure. I moved out here in 2021, somewhat out of necessity since I was not doing well at the time. My intention was always to get into the University of Georgia, even if it took a little while longer than I had intended. Georgia is a wonderful state, with incredible history, beautiful outdoors, great schools, and a strong sense of community. So far, I have really enjoyed my time here, and just like any of the other places I have lived, I have learned something from the time spent there.

In Texas, I was a child, so I couldn’t tell you what I learned besides my ABCs. In Arkansas, I picked up that signature southern hospitality and developed a love for the outdoors. In California, I learned what the world was like outside of rural America, and it taught me how to be sociable and assertive. In Georgia, I’ve learned what hard work means and what it takes to start over. I believe people are products of their environment, and I think no matter where you go, you always take a little piece of that place with you. All the pieces I have taken with me have shaped me into the person I am today and given me a set of skills that let me feel at home wherever I go next.