An open letter to my hometown

As I prepare to leave you in a short month I am starting to realize what you mean to me. Although, I know that I have a lot more to offer this world then what can be done in the city limits of small town USA I also know that you will always be home.

I have always struggled with you being my hometown because it felt boring and dull to me. All the stores closed at 10 and the most enjoyable thing to do was hang out in the school parking lot. There is only so many nitro ball games you can play and songs you can listen to in your car before that becomes boring. Small towns were never my thing I have always dreamed of the city lights, and you are far from big city, but you're still mine. My first steps to my walk across the stage at graduation were in you. You have seen the good, the bad and the ugly.

Growing up with you meant that I had to deal with the craziness that comes along with you, and truthfully this made me hate you a lot and trust me I am ready to be out but don't take that personally. You have brought along a lot of crappy stuff, but also a lot of love and joy. Leaving my comfort of you and high school is something that used to terrify me but this summer I did a lot of growing up, and I learned that there is a whole world full of opportunities, and the best thing about calling something home for 18 years is that I can always come back because the high school parking lot, briqs, kwik trip, the parking garage and the pews of my church will always be there.

Although you come with your fair share of toxic people, drama and your own craziness you will always hold a special place in my heart. Just know that Milwaukee may be 'home' now but nothing will ever compare to you.