Four months ago, Christina Hlong returned to Greensboro after eight years overseas, most recently in New Zealand. The plan was short and sweet. Family wedding. Holidays. Then reassess.

Greensboro had other ideas.

This city is not the one she left. And the more she explores it, the more open she’s become to imagining a life here. Different pace. New energy. A lot more possibility than expected.

Christina recently joined Market America, where a connection with fellow Boomerang Ali Pierce helped her navigate the role and settle in. Finding familiar stories at work has made the return feel easier.

Alongside that work, Christina has stepped in as a contractor with the Montagnard Dega Association, supporting its Mental Health Program by leading weekend wellness classes for elder community members.

An added bonus of being home is time with family, especially being closer to her dad, Y Siu Hlong. Through decades of leadership at the Montagnard Dega Association, he helped make Greensboro a welcoming home for Montagnard refugees and other newly arriving families, connecting them to healthcare, schools, jobs, and community. His work helped shape the Greensboro Christina is rediscovering today.

Boomerang Greensboro, and the stories of others who’ve returned, have been a quiet nudge. Not a push. Just permission to see home with fresh eyes.

Christina’s message to Greensboro?

Convince me to stay. I dare you.

We’re glad you’re here.