Every state has a town that is out in the middle of nowhere where if you blink, you'll miss it. My town happens to have a population of 484 and the closest thing to a party is in the parking lot of our local Casey's General Store. My school as a whole was smaller than most people's class sizes. There are more gravel roads than blacktop. But my little town has made more of an impact on my life than I could've ever imagined and here's how.
1. You Know Everyone
No matter what you're doing, you will know someone or someone will know you. Whether it is driving or going for a jog, you are very likely to run into someone you know and start a conversation about the weather, the high school sports team or whose cows got loose last week.
2. Trucks
Trucks are essential. At least one person in your family has a truck to pull something, go mudding, or make a lot of noise going through town. (They are also helpful when hauling a deer or fishing poles.)
3. The Parties
Parties in a small town consists of a bunch of your buddies around a bonfire (with a truck). Playing country music and beer pong is a must.
4. Athletics
Small towns have made kids "all-around" athletes. From volleyball to softball and soccer to running track in the town cemetery, kids who grew up in a small town played every sport the school offered.
5. Hospitality
The "c'mon in and make yourself at home" policy actually applies. No matter where you are, someone is willing to open their home and show you hospitality. Your friend's home become yours, and soon enough you're eating dinner with them three times a week.
6. Tractors
It's a pretty common thing when tractors are the reason you're late for school/work. But hey, everyone knows the local farmers and all their hard work, so we don't complain.
7. Communication
Everyone knows what your favorite color is, what you did last night, and the name of all your family members. This can be both good and bad, but as long as you play your cards right, you should be in the clear.
Big cities are nice and all, but growing up in a town like mine is something that unless you've experienced it, you don't know what you're missing out on. I couldn't have asked for a better town to raise me up and teach me the values that mine did.
