During that year away, I experienced intense homesickness. I longed for the stunning Arizona sunsets, the warm desert climate, and my family and friends. Coming back to Chandler after that year was truly coming home for me.
Chandler is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Since 1990, the population of Chandler has doubled and the annual growth rate is almost five percent. This huge population growth can be attributed to the flourishing business and technology industry, making Chandler known as the "Oasis of the Silicon Desert." Several additional factors of this vast increase in population are the city's dedication to quality education, preservation of the culture and an attractive environment.
Chandler is committed to excellence in education and the success of its students. This commitment manifests itself through the test scores of its students. Students in the Chandler Unified School District continually have higher test scores than the national averages at the post-secondary level. In addition to this, almost seventy-five percent of residents have had a least some college education, according to the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. Chandler is also dedicated to providing its students with the most up to date education possible, making Chandler schools some of the most technologically advanced schools in America. Having been a student in Chandler schools for fifteen years, I have had the privilege of experiencing this high quality of education. Currently, I am attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and I have been very pleased with the small student to teacher ratio, allowing for more individual attention from the instructors. Another demonstration of Chandler's commitment to its student's success is the free tutoring offered at Chandler-Gilbert, to help enhance students understanding of math, science and writing.
Residents of Chandler have an opportunity to enjoy annual activities that emphasize the city's uniqueness and rich history and culture. One such event is the annual Ostrich Festival. This festival is not only an entertaining activity, but also a remembrance of Chandler's history. Chandler was once the nation's largest ostrich ranching communities. The ostriches were raised for their beautiful feathers. As a commemoration of this major part of Chandler's history, the ostrich festival was established in 1989. The festival invites the entire community to enjoy a day of live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, parade, and ostrich races.
Another event that celebrates the distinctiveness of Chandler is the city's holiday festivities. This event is a tribute to Christmas in the west, beginning with the annual Parade of Lights, in which local business and clubs create their own floats with Christmas lights. Following the parade is the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony, an event that has made Chandler famous. This affair features a 35-foot tall Christmas tree made of tumbleweeds that are gathered from around town. The tree is displayed in the center of downtown Chandler and the whole town gathers around for the mayor to flip the switch, which illuminates over a thousand Christmas lights!
The environment within the City of Chandler is an added draw for residents. There are many reasons why Chandler, Arizona is a fantastic place to live. Some of its finest qualities are reflected in the quality education, preservation of western culture and attractive atmosphere. Chandler is a place very near and dear to my heart for these reasons.
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