Growing up in a small town is a cliche thing you hear too much in America. You never hear "oh my town is known for (Insert Blank Here)" or "You should come to my city because we have (insert blank yet again)." You Just Don't!
Being an avid traveler, I have now just learned to appreciate my hometown! Yes, after 21 glorious years it has finally hit me. Maybe because I am homesick or maybe because I just miss my "comfort zone." Whatever the reason, you should start to appreciate your hometown that molded and watched you grow, but I also want to say that you should not stay 'stuck' in your town as well.
Of course I have not experienced this (the experience of not being able to travel out of my town or state) situation, but the amount of people I have met that are afraid to leave their hometown or their "norm" fathoms me! If you live in the United States and you have traveled outside of your state I would say you have made good progress! But sometimes we get stuck in our own ways, culture, and even mind sight. It happens. I've done it numerous times, and I've traveled quite a bit!
I've decided to make a short list of some things you can try or implement into your life to help yourself not only grow as a person but also culturally.
Things To Do:
- Be friendly or even make new friends! (It's that easy! Of course you are not replacing the friends you already have, but just being nice or friendly to someone can help you learn more about someone, and who knows, you may have some common interests!)
- Study Abroad or do a Student Exchange or even suggest a new vacation spot for your family this summer. (I am currently two weeks into studying abroad and I think this experience is something everyone needs to encounter in life. You just learn so much! Really!! Everything I thought I knew about British culture from movies, television, and even research doesn't compare to the actual experience of even being here. Studying abroad doesn't only let you learn about the country you are studying in, but you will meet loads of people from other countries as well!
-If you dream it, you can achieve it! If you have ever dreamed of visiting that destination that pops up on Pinterest every time you log on, you're not crazy or wishful thinking! You should really try to do it! "You never know until you try" is my motto, and there is nothing out of reach in this world if you really want it and do everything you can to get there! Of course money is not going to appear out of thin air, but you will take every hour at that part time or summer job seriously if it is contributing to your goal!
Words can never describe to my family and friends the experiences I have had here, but you can take that step if this is something you wish for in life.
Outside of your typical hometown, there is a world. A world full of adventure!
