Out of the many things that I'm thankful for, growing up in a small town is the biggest one. I grew up in a town where everybody knows everybody (which we all know can be a good or bad thing.) Even though my true hometown is Greenleaf, I will always appreciate Washington because I went to school there from kindergarten through graduation. At Washington County High School, I graduated with people that I have known since kindergarten. I knew everybody in my high school. I had some of the same teachers that my dad did. I wouldn't trade my 18 years spent in Washington County, Kansas for anything. I'm sure most others who grew up there also would agree.
Here is a list of 5 things that are too familiar to people who grew up in Washington County:
1. "I'm from Washington. Not D.C. or State!"
This is something that I have to say ALL the time. Especially at college, where people ask where you're from on a daily basis. Even when I say "Not D.C. or State," many people still have no idea where Washington, Kansas is. Or that it even exists. To which I usually reply, "It's about an hour North of Manhattan." (Thank you MHK, for being the only town big enough for people to mentally locate.)
2. School rivalries are a real thing.
Those movies aren't exaggerating when they make school sports rivalries look intense. Anybody who has gone to a Washington County vs. Hanover boys basketball game knows what I'm talking about. But despite these rivalries, you still ended up hanging out with the same people you cussed about during your game last Friday.
3. Job options while in high school are limited. Very limited.
You probably either worked at Kier's, lifeguarded at the pool, or worked on a family farm. Or, if you were like most high schoolers, you couldn't really have a job because you played all 3 sports.
4. Mr. Bond is a legend.
If you don't know who Mr. Bond is, you definitely did not grow up in or around Washington. Enough said.
5. You had multiple sets of "parents."
Because you graduated with people that you knew since birth, you were also very close with their families. You spent countless weekends at their houses, they drove you home from away games, and they might have even forged your own parents' signatures a time or two.
I'm a junior in college now, and no matter how much time I spend away from Washington, I still find myself missing it. I randomly crave a slushie from Casey's or miss the familiarness of the downtown Christmas decorations and driving on the brick streets. Even though I might not have realized at the time how blessed I was to grow up in such a supportive and amazing community, I realize it now. So thank you, Washington, for making me who I am today.
