Dear Hometown,
I would like to start by saying that I’ve been in the same state, same town and same house all 19 years of my life. It wasn’t until moving to college that I’d ever spent more than a week away from you -- King, North Carolina.
Coming to Asheville from my own small-town USA was definitely a change of pace. Friendly greetings and oddly familiar paths to wander down welcomed me in a way I’ve never known. It isn’t that you don’t have these features; just that here, I get the feeling I’ve been here for forever. I feel like being here is being home.
But, that can’t be right... home is where my family and pets eagerly await my return. Whether I've been gone for two days or two weeks, I’m greeted by the same enthusiastic hugs and kisses. I’m welcomed home with a family dinner so hearty we could feed an army. The town's perfume of curing tobacco is like being embraced by an old friend. The winding back roads are always enjoyed no matter the weather or time of year. You’re my hometown, where I was born and raised. You are home.
How can I possibly compare the two?
You’ve given me life lessons and cherished memories. Your hospitality taught me how to be kind to everyone. Your summers and falls showed me the beauty in nature. Your inhabitants showed me that there’s always a reason to smile. How can I compare the gifts you’ve given me to anywhere else?
Wait... why do I need to? There’s no contest.
It’s totally possible to love two places equally for different reasons.
Hometown, I’m sorry I tried to compare you. I’m sorry I tried to find faults in anything I could to make you seem less lovable than my new home. I don’t know why I tried to make myself choose between which of my homes I love the most, which of the two made me feel more safe and welcome. You’re probably laughing at how I took it upon myself to pick which of you I love the most. I don’t know why I felt I had to love one more than the other when it was you who taught me a heart has room for all things loved.
Hometown, I miss you. I miss how small you are, even though it seems your roads could never end. I miss silly things like running errands and bumping into the same people at every stop. I miss you, but Asheville is taking good care of me.
Asheville is bigger, but feels just as small. It's welcoming and friendly, and absolutely beautiful. You've done your job of teaching and protecting me, and now it's someone else's turn. It's Asheville's turn, and it's passing with flying colors. I feel welcome and safe.
Even considering all of the fond memories I have of my personal small-town USA, I’m in love with Asheville. The weather, the people, the atmosphere -- nothing about this city has made me feel unwelcome. Every excursion downtown I feel more and more confident in my decision of choosing this beautiful university. Whether exploring the breathtaking surroundings or enjoying downtown entertainment, I never feel out of place.
So, thank you, Hometown. Thank you for all that you've done in preparation for my arrival elsewhere.
