Fayetteville, North Carolina, is more than a city; it is a mindset summed up in two simple words: “Can do.” Through the years, Fayetteville has been recognized as a city of strength, talent, dreams, and unity. These attributes are the ingredients behind the city’s can-do spirit. Considering all the wonderful treasures this city holds and the many successes it so often obtains, it is easy for the message of Fayetteville’s greatness to be lost on some. However, CityView magazine aims to show and promote the excellence of Fayetteville. As the city continues to grow, CityView is determined to grow with it.
CityView is currently in the process of creating a paid internship program with the communications department at Fayetteville State University. Opportunities such as these promote a brighter future for Fayetteville because, hopefully, these opportunities mean CityView will train and retain talented interns. The funds raised by the CityView News Fund could be used to build up the program further as Fayetteville and CityView continue to grow. Furthermore, the magazine aims to expand its reach into the Fort Liberty area and increase coverage of military families.
Like CityView, I have been working to promote the growth of the Can Do City. As the reigning Miss Fayetteville, I have been working to increase the financial literacy of those in our city through my Faithful Over Few (FOF) initiative. Over the past three years, I have paid off more than $50,000 in debt. This mixture of debt included student and car loans and credit card accounts. I am still striving to become debt-free, but I’m nearly there. My fight to overcome debt inspired me to create FOF because I want to help people of all ages accomplish their financial goals. I have helped students as young as 3 years old up to people in their 60s put financial principles into action. One project I’m most excited about is the new connections I have established among Cumberland County Schools, SECU, Vanguard, and the Cooney Law Firm in creating a finance curriculum for our CCS students. Because poverty has been found to be a problem that permeates generations and more than 70% of students in CCS are on free or reduced-price lunch plans, I am happy with the strides being made within our school system to improve financial literacy among students.
A key component I share with all those I coach is the importance of giving. When we are blessed with the means to give, we must. So, with the words of John F. Kennedy in mind, I urge you not to ask what Fayetteville can do for you but what you can do for Fayetteville. Giving can be overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. However, I believe the CityView News Fund is a great place to begin and extend your giving.
If you’d like to connect with me and learn more about Faithful Over Few, please email me at rachel.townsend.faithfuloverfew@gmail.com.