'So, what brought you to Glasgow'? This is a question I hear a lot.
It's difficult for me to answer - but I know why I stayed...
Growing up in Hungary, I heard that Scots are drunk and frugal, they all have ginger hair and wear kilts in the constant rain - I wasn't sure if I would like them.
But I had also seen pictures of beautiful houses with stonework, surrounded by spacious gardens filled with flowers. On postcards, the city seemed rustic and exciting, filled with statues and intricate old buildings.
To my surprise, when I arrived, I had entirely different first impressions. I recall these as part of our joint series with The Herald, The future of Glasgow.
Read more in the series:
Elspeth King: Glasgow history and culture: we need to cherish and share it
The gerrymandering of local government and how it affected Glasgow
Susan Aitken: The narrative of decline in the city is absolutely false
The Future of Glasgow – Find all articles in the series here
Glasgow, however, was grey, busy, dirty and wet. A lot less glamorous than I expected.
After going to university in Ayr, I moved to the city full-time to pursue a career in journalism.
I figured since most of the country's media is based here, it would be full of opportunity and soon enough, I got a job as a reporter.
When I started at the Glasgow Times in October 2022, I was given North Glasgow as my patch, which I have been covering since.
I quickly realised that due to the nature of my job, I often have to deal with the worst parts of the city - deprivation, flytipping, crime, homelessness.
It was disappointing and I quickly dismissed Glasgow as a long-term home for myself.
But as I immersed myself more and more in the community, I felt my perspective shift.
I attended community council meetings, spoke with charities, and visited protests and I realised that everyone wanted to improve Glasgow.
Yes, there are issues but there is always discussion, construction, campaigning, and planning.
Recently, I visited the cells of Barlinnie and discussed the overcrowding with officials - but I covered the plan for HMP Glasgow, promising a new more humane space for rehabilitation.
For years, I listened to complaints about the lack of quality housing in North Glasgow - then watched Sighthill's transformation into a modern estate.
Of course, there are still ongoing debates around the demolition of the O2 ABC, the Wyndford towers, the plan for more cycling lanes, and many more - and I don't have all the answers.
Sometimes, decision-makers don't get it right. But as long as there is a conversation, I am optimistic.
It's great to see that Glasgow is always changing and improving and everyone has a suggestion on what would make it better.
People complain about too much construction but I find it inspiring, even with some margin for error.
For its 850th birthday, I wish for Glasgow that residents never stop caring about its future.
This week, the Glasgow Times and The Herald are running a joint series to celebrate Glasgow's 850th birthday. We examine the challenges the city faces and discuss potential solutions.
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