5 Reasons Why I'm Happy I Don't Have A Hometown
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Reasons Why I'm Happy I Don't Have A Hometown

Hometowns are overrated.

224
5 Reasons Why I'm Happy I Don't Have A Hometown
Ashley Franklin

I'd be lying if I said that a small part of me doesn't wonder what it's like to have a hometown -- a quaint, cozy place to go back to over breaks and long weekends -- but I'd also be lying if I said that I wish that was my reality.

The life of a military brat is different, to put it simply. We grow up moving every two to four years, leaving our friends, homes, schools and life as we know it. When you're young it can seem like the end of the world, but as you get older, you start to appreciate your crazy lifestyle a bit more (or at least your parents hope so). I'd say this is how most of us are, myself included.

Don't get me wrong, I've shed my fair share of tears over moving, but they've been far outshined by the countless, irreplaceable experiences I've had around the world. It's easy to dwell on the negatives of having no definitive "home," but no more tears for me. You can keep your quaint village, I prefer being hometown-less for a few, simple reasons.

1. I have a lot of "homes."

Unlike most people who are from insert town and state here, I'm "from" Texas, Virginia, Indiana, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Italy, Japan, California and Michigan. I'm happy to say that I can call many places around the country and globe "home."

2. I'm more appreciative of each new "home."

Knowing that you'll be leaving soon is one quick way to fall in love with a place. If you've only got three days to spend on your trip to Paris, are you going to spend it in your hotel room? Well, I hope not. Being on a schedule to leave is motivation for me to soak up every little detail about where I live before I'm back on the road again.

3. I get to redecorate a lot.

Do you know that gross pink paint you picked out in middle school that you're too busy to paint over but you see every day and hate it? I don't. My rooms have been able to grow with me throughout my moves. I no longer like the poster that's been on my wall the past three years? Oh well, I'll have to take it down in a few months anyways -- now I have an excuse to buy a new poster for my new wall.

4. I am who I am.

Just like the fact that Donald Trump's dad was a millionaire determined his son's path, the fact that my dad is in the military determined mine -- in a way. I was born into a military family, and I know that I wouldn't be the same person I am now if I wasn't. I've built my values, hobbies and personality throughout my childhood moves, and I can't imagine the person I'd be if I lived in one town or state my whole life.

5. Home is where the heart is.

I know it's terribly cliché, but it's true: home is where the heart is. I may have moved too many times to count on one hand, but throughout all my moves, one thing remained the same -- my family. Home has never been a physical place to me, but rather a concept that symbolizes love and security and all those other warm, fuzzy feelings. Home for me is where my family is, and I'll take that any day over a quaint stereotypical "hometown."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

97252
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments