There's truly something special about small towns. A deep sense of unity, rooted in agriculture and high school sports. I love my hometown and couldn't imagine growing up anywhere else. In my hometown, it's very common to keep yourself rooted here. A lot of people graduate from high school or college and end up returning or remaining, for their children to walk the same halls as they did and live in the same neighborhood as they always have. That's exactly what my mom did. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with this way of life. It's simple, it's safe, it's happy. However, I know it is not for me.
Growing up, I sometimes despised my picturesque small town. I lived too far out of town to be able to walk to all of my friends' houses or do much of anything until I got my license. Even then, the nearest movie theater or mall was a half hour away. I found myself unamused and sick of the flat landscape and corn stalks. Ever since I was young, I've had a passion for urban life. I loved visiting cities around the country more than visiting the beach or an amusement park. I love the huge variety of people, contained in such a small area with so many different goals and amibitions. I've always dreamt of being one of them, carrying a briefcase and Starbucks, rushing to work on a Tuesday morning. But a lot of people don't understand it. My family finds the city exhausting, overwhelming, expensive, and dangerous. And while it can definitely be all of those things, I can't help but think it will be worth it.
There's nothing wrong with staying close to home, or being a stay at home mom, or choosing the same career as your dad, or doing what has already been done. But I've always felt so driven and so destined for something deeper, something rooted in myself rather than others. I seek independence, financially and emotionally. I strive for a strong career in which I can physically see results from the hard work I have put in. I think in order to truly find yourself, it's necessary to get lost. That's why I plan to immerse myself in something so different and so new one day. And once I feel secure with myself and my career, I hope that the rest will follow. I know that I will get frustrated at times and I will be lonely and homesick too, but I can't wait to have more on my plate than I can handle. Some people dread that feeling, of being spread too thin or not having enough time in the day but I find it so exhilarating. To me, that feeling is truly living. Taking risks is a crucial part of life and I think up until this point in my life, I've played it pretty safe. But after I graduate, that's all about to change.
