Everyone you talk to will argue that they "grew up in the best town ever," but I can assure you, nothing can top the quaint town of Billerica Massachusetts. Billerica is home to 40,243 people, 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools. In our little town you can find 8 Dunkin Donuts, 16 gas stations, the old textile mills, and an endless supply of family owned restaurants.
Growing up in Billerica was ideal. My parents knew that when my Sister and I played outside or walked home from school, we would be safe or most likely accompanied by a neighbor walking the same route. The ice cream man would come down our street in the summer time and we would be able to hear him miles away because our town is so quiet -- giving the neighborhood kids the perfect amount of time to run out of the pool and grab change from our piggy banks.
Billerica High is arguably the best high school. Again, I know everyone says that, but in my case it's true. My experience as a BMHS student taught me so much. School spirit means everything to the students and sports are huge. The halls at school on Friday's are filled with football jersey's and Friday night's, no matter the weather, are spent at the Marshall Middle school field cheering on the football team regardless of their record. The front gym gets so packed for basketball games that if you don't arrive early enough you'll never get a seat in the student section of the bleachers. Pep rally is one of the biggest events of the year and students decorate the halls and locker rooms with green and white streamers and balloons.
I remember my sophomore year, our hockey team made the playoffs, and it was like school shut down. Tests were postponed because teacher's knew the majority of students' would be attending that nights game as opposed to studying and my friends and I spent hours making shirts and signs for our friends on the team.
Despite our town being so big, it really gives off that "small town" vibe. On Sunday mornings, I knew when my Mother and I went to go get our morning coffee from Java's I would see a range of people including (but not limited to) teachers, teammates, the girl who sat next to me in math class, my grandma's friends and the entire Billerica High lacrosse team.
Just like in small towns, manners are a must. I would often time wake up on winter mornings and look outside to see my friends helping my dad shovel out the driveway, people knew to take their hats off when they came over for dinner and you said "thank you" to your teachers even if they handed you back a paper with a big fat "F" on the top of it.
I'm not saying growing up in Billerica is flawless -- my experience certainly wasn't perfect. We have an infinite amount of potholes and construction, our high school is falling apart, and getting from one end of town to the other can take up to 30 minutes if you get stuck at every red light.
Regardless of the imperfections, I wouldn't change my Billerica experience for anything. It taught me what it means to really be apart of a community and to take pride in where I came from. The memories I have with old friends will never fade. I know even while away at school, Billerica will always be my home.
