Sure, small towns are sweet. Everybody knows who you are, and the strong sense of community is great. However, with small town living, comes the small town expectations. If you come from a small, conservative town like I do, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Because everyone knows who you are, everybody is always watching over you. (Every step you take, someone sees you and tells your parents.) You are conditioned to act a certain way, think a certain way and believe in certain things; just to fit in with the small town stigma. You have little to no freedom to create your own opinions, and opportunities are limited.

This is why everyone who is looking to challenge themselves should muster up the courage to make the move to the city. Sure, its hard to acclimate yourself to taking the public transit, and shopping at the market rather than Wal-mart, but it is something everyone should experience. Living downtown in a city provides you with unlimited experiences.

You learn valuable skills such as mastering public transportation, where the best coffee is brewed, where the cheapest parking is, the best places to get your shoes shined and you get to experience the cultural diversity that comes with living in a more populous area.

The opportunities that I have been presented with since moving to the city are those that I would have never gotten to experience if I would have stayed in Small Town, USA. I’ve started an internship with a globally known publishing site, I’ve seen Beyonce (for free might I even add!!), I get the residential perks of free and discounted memberships to museums and other institutions.

Most importantly I have been given a new set of eyes. I am no longer sheltered by the rose colored glasses bestowed upon me by my small town. I am no longer forced to see the fake smiles of my neighbors, I am no longer forced to hear the sermon of the local preacher, I am no longer forced to feel confined. I am free. I see the homeless on the street, but I also see an opportunity to help someone out.

I see the stress lines of the business man smoking his cigarette, but I also see the opportunity to give someone a smile. Being exposed to the struggles of the city has given me a greater appreciation for the success that follows these struggles. I see the city lights reflecting in the mirror of the taxi, I hear the honking of the traffic, but I can feel the sense of freedom around me.