I grew up in a small town with one stoplight. It's a place where it is acceptable for men of all ages to wear suspenders, for women to have more breasts than teeth, and for every diner to have a farmer's table. There were 68 people in my high school graduating class back in 2012. I was a bitter girl in high school because I wanted to move on to bigger, better things and chase my dreams ASAP.
It's 2016 and I am kicking myself for taking life under my mom's roof for granted. Now that I've achieved my dreams four years later, I know the only way I made it to a big city with a sweet job is because of that one-horse town in Northwest Ohio.
These are seven reasons why growing up in a small town was the best thing to happen to me:
1. I quickly learned how to get creative.
The nearest movie theater or Walmart was 20 miles away from anyone's house. My friends and I always had to be creative (and frugal!) when it came to planning a night on "the town." Most of the time, a "night out" included a Taco Bell run and then going to someone's house to watch a bunch of Disney movies. If we were really feeling saucy, we would toilet paper someone's house. Today, I am always the go-to gal to plan office parties, date nights, and girls nights.
2. I learned how to get my hands dirty and work.
I spent my childhood in gardens and barns to help my grandpa and other farmers feed the world. City folk rarely have the same drive. There are no easy jobs in a small town. Every teenager from the sticks mows lawns, works in fast food, or bails hay for little pay. We understand the value of a hard-earned dollar. Getting your first job that pays more than minimum wage feels like the next best thing since sliced bread.
3. I learned that I am part of something bigger than myself.
"If you're gonna be a moron, do it at home!"
It's a phrase I heard my mom say regularly growing up. She tried to teach me at a young age that I'm a representation of my family, my school, my job, and any organizations that I'm in. We are all one bad choice away from ruining the rest of our lives and making our favorite people look bad.
4. I learned how to be a role model.
When you are part of something bigger than yourself, you naturally become someone to look up to. In high school, I became a camp counselor because I knew how to have fun and make kids feel important. It is the same reason I became an R.A. in college and the same reason my workplace trusts me with handling guests and strange phone calls.
5. I learned how to grab Mother Nature by her horns and run her over with my car.
I've driven through back roads untouched by a snow plow, corn fields, muddy yards, and any other terrain imaginable. I can drive through anything. I just can't parallel park to save my life.
6. I learned how to become part of a support system.
One of the best things about a small town is how all 700 people can come together to help someone in need. Small, rural communities are so tight-knit that you drive through and see kids sandbagging during floods, people holding benefits for their sick neighbors, and adults making sure no child has to walk home from school or sports practice in the rain. Life doesn't get easier as you get older, but having the heart to help others through tough times without question will take you so far in life.
7. I don't take simple things for granted anymore.
Life is too short to not appreciate mama's cooking, great friendships, bonfires, and the stars in the sky. Let me tell you about the big city: People think mama's cooking has "too many calories." Friendships are hard to come by with everyone rushing through every day for everything. You can't have a bonfire without firefighters crashing the party. And the worst thing is that street lights are often too bright to see the stars.
To my friends from high school and back home: I have grown to look at each and every one of you as a successful hero. Success and happiness are measured differently for everyone. Sometimes I feel alone in my apartment, so I grab my yearbook, and Facebook stalk every person in it. I don't think any differently of any of you for having babies, getting married, buying a house beside your parents' house, or going to community college. I am genuinely happy and proud because you're some of the most heartfelt, real people I will ever meet. It was my honor and privilege growing up with you. I may only be home once in a blue moon, but my heart is always in our one-horse town. I know you will raise families and fill our tight-knit community with more love than it already has.
