When you're asked to describe your hometown to someone, some people talk about the glistening ocean being two minutes away, others describe the rocky mountains that sit in their backyard. Of course this sounds amazing, but my life is a little bit different. When people ask me about my hometown I automatically think of the corn rolling across the Earth as far as I can see. I imagine the hard dirt underneath my feet and the smell of cattle in the air.
I grew up in small town Iowa. When people ask me where I am from I usually have to say an hour from Omaha, Nebraska for them to have a general idea. My town has a population of roughly 900 people. When I share this with others they automatically say, "That has to suck". Sure I guess there aren't that many big places: we don't have a mall; we don't even have a clothing store, actually. I drive 20 minutes to get my groceries or to even get to a Walmart. People only think of the negative things about growing up in a small town, but there sure are a lot of things they will never understand.
In a small town everyone knows everyone. I could walk down the street and point out 95% of the houses and tell you who lives in them. Of course, sometimes this can get you into trouble because people like to gossip, but that is not all. I always have someone there for me in case I ever get into trouble. I don't ever feel unsafe in town and everyone is so welcoming and trustworthy.
One season of the year that everyone looks forward to is fall. Fall is harvest time, the combines are in full swing. The leaves are changing colors and the annual Calf Show Days carnival is right around the corner. It's probably funny to other people, but the carnival only takes up two blocks in my town. There are a few rides, too. People from other towns might think it's "lame", but not us. Calf Show Days is the biggest event my town puts on, and everyone and their cousin comes on out to celebrate. And let's not forget football. Everyone goes to those Friday night lights games and supports the team no matter how many wins we have.
One of the greatest things that I love about growing up in a small town is the nature. The way the country sunset shines on the corn, the nights spent in the high school parking lot. Growing up in a small town you become pretty adventurous. You pile into a truck with your friends and travel the backroads until the sun's coming back up. Everyone from the neighboring five towns come together to throw one big back road party. People may not see the beauty in growing up in a small town, but I sure am glad I got to experience it.
