Growing up in a small town is most often seen as a negative factor, but in all reality there are so many positive influences a person can gain from living in a small town.

1. Take pride in your community.

Small town folks like to rub their community pride in others’ faces sometimes. For example, I was born and raised a Cornjerker (Hoopeston, IL) and no matter where I am or where I go I will always be a Cornjerker, and I will show you a picture to make sure you know how cool it is to be a Cornjerker.

2. Watch what you say or do; it gets around.

This can be a good and bad thing depending on who you are. I like to think of it as a positive factor, because it prevents you from doing anything stupid for fear that your parents will find out.

3. Hard work can make the dream work.

There are so many small town natives who come from a poverty stricken home which motivates them to become something better. They strive for success for themselves and for their potential family. It’s a lot easier to set yourself on the right track in a small town because there are so many people to support you.

4. People aren't embarrassed to wear their pajamas to the store.

This one is kind of humorous, but it’s true. Everyone knows each other in a small town and so they don’t feel the need to prep and pamper themselves before they make a quick trip to the store.

5. You have to forgive and forget.

I don’t know anyone who has gone through life without facing conflict. This happens most often in the high school setting, and in high school we learn to keep a grudge, but then you soon realize “Oh crap! Now it’s time to be an adult.” In a small town setting, you will more than likely see those people again so it is best for yourself and your family to just forgive and forget.

6. Learn all the town's gossip at the local hair salon.

This one may connect back to “watch what you do and say.” The truth is when we visit the hair salon, we expect to hear gossip and we love to hear it. No one is ever out of the loop in a small town because sooner or later you will find out whatever rumors are traveling around the community, even if they are about you.

7. Everybody knows your mom, dad, or grandparents.

Also may connect back to “watch what you do and say” because mom and dad will find out. There is also some positives to this as well. It really helps your resume when you are looking for a job if the boss knows your parents or grandparents. It’s also great when you meet someone new and all you need to say is “so and so” is my mom, and then they know exactly who you are.

8. Country music describes your life.

Whether you like the music or not, it more than likely can relate to some aspect of your life from hometown football games to cruising the backroads to partying with your friends to spending time with your family.

9. The community is very supportive.

This is the very best part about growing up in a small town. You learn to take pride in your community and you learn to love it as well. People in a small town community look out for each other and support each other through good and bad times. It’s a great feeling to know that the community you love and grew up in will support you through everything you do.