Growing up in Wyoming isn't all that you imagine it is. Yes, we have wide open spaces and plenty of places to explore, but that doesn't mean that is all our world revolves around. We also have a very different culture than many of the other states, and if you don't travel very much, you may not understand the different cultures besides the small one that surrounds us every day.
Most of Wyoming is made up of small towns, where everyone knows everyone, which sometimes really sucks. If you're different than the majority of your small town population in any way, there is a good chance that you will be an outsider, and people won't let you forget that fact. Yes, we have very strong communities, but that doesn't mean we are immune to making others feel like they don't belong.
The bigger towns, like Casper, Laramie, and Cheyenne have the advantage when it comes to finding a group where you belong. However, these towns also offer more of a chance of getting into trouble if you aren't careful. However, it does offer more cultural diversity which makes it less of a culture shock when you decide to visit somewhere much different than Wyoming. When you grow up here, you either want to stay forever, or move away as fast as possible.
Even despite the downfalls of the size of our communities and the inevitability of meeting people who just aren't nice, our state has some amazing qualities. We have a wonderful education system that for the most part truly tries to help its students succeed and move on into the adult world. For the most part, I had teachers than continuously pushed me to do my best and really tried to help me when I was struggling. Our teachers have so much leeway when it comes to lesson plans and the curriculum that they can teach that they can develop a classroom that is truly productive to their students and their needs.
As everyone knows, Wyoming does offer some beautiful state and national parks, as residents of Wyoming seem to take them for granted. It doesn't mean that we don't care, it just means that it's normal to us and it's just a part of our daily lives. There are so many different places to hike, but since I grew up going to them, it doesn't always hold its wondrous appeal.
Even so, some things never lose their sparkle and will forever hold a special place in my heart, such as the familiar family atmosphere and those gorgeous sunsets. Wyoming is like a big family, through thick and thin. Events such as Cheyenne Frontier Days will forever feel like my family, regardless of what everyone has been doing for the last year. A sunset on the wide open range will always remind me to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and to never take any moment for granted. I will always be proud to say I'm from Wyoming, and I'm beyond lucky to have had the chance to grow up here.
