Like many who were born in the early 1970s, I had every reason to leave St. Thomas. Opportunities seemed bigger elsewhere, especially as the city faced tough losses—from Alma College to major employers like Ford and Sterling. But I stayed. And I’m glad I did.

St. Thomas isn’t just where I live—it’s home. I arrived here at two years old and grew up playing soccer at Athletic Park, going to Holy Angels, and catching my first movie at the Capitol Theatre. Those roots matter. As Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.”

What makes this city special is its resilience. St. Thomas has a gritty, underdog spirit—you can never count it out. Our hospital delivers exceptional care, our local teams compete admirably, and our arts scene continues to thrive. Community here isn’t just a word—it’s action. People show up, whether it’s at fairs, parades, or when you simply need a hand.

I’ve been fortunate to work at Yurek Pharmacy with a team that truly care about people. And our city keeps moving forward—building active spaces, tackling homelessness with partners like Indwell, and attracting new opportunities like Volkswagen.

St. Thomas doesn’t just endure—it evolves. And that’s why I stayed.

By Steve Bond, BSc. Phm.