When I moved back to the Great Bend area (I’m a Claflin kid) in 2011 after living in metro areas for six years, I experienced a bit of culture shock. The rural area pace was enjoyable and the people were friendly, but much was left to be desired in terms of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, avenues for social engagement with other young people and young families, and it was hard to know how to get involved and plugged in from a civic engagement standpoint, even having grown up in the area. Barton County Young Professionals changed that in what seemed like the blink of an eye.The Tot Spot at Brit Spaugh Park, tons of food gathered for local food banks, educational opportunities for children, bike racks installed in all the cities in Barton County and health- and family-focused events along with regular networking mixers are all a direct result of Barton County Young Professionals, and I know I’m missing something.I’m #BCYPproud to have been part of the initial steering committee that rebooted Young Professionals in 2011 and I was honored to serve as the Vice Chair and Chair.