It's hard to believe that anyone would ever want to stay in this small town. The town where everyone knows everyone's business, everyone's dated your ex, and the town gossip of right now will be the gossip for the next month. 

That was me. I didn't want to be within a 100-mile radius of the small town I had called home for the past eighteen years of my life. I was sick of the drama, the people, and the town.

Now I'm about to finish my first semester in college and can't wait to be back.

Hard to believe I know.

I thought I wanted to be far away from everything I've ever known. I thought I wanted a change and a new beginning. I think we've all thought about that at some point.

The truth is, you'll miss it.

You'll miss seeing your best friend from Kindergarten every day in the hallways and laughing at inappropriate jokes in Math class.

You'll miss going downtown to the local restaurants and getting the best sub that you swear was a gift sent from heaven every day.

You're going to miss the spirit weeks, the teachers, the friends, your pets and most importantly your family.

So take these years slow, especially if you're a senior this year.

I know when you've been in the same place for what seems like an eternity, you can get sick of it real fast. But these are some of the best memories you'll have.

Take photos, write in a journal. Save the memories. Cherish them.

Enjoy college application time; it's nice to feel wanted.

Participate in class events like spirit weeks; they don't have them in college.

Go to football, basketball, lacrosse and yes even the over-blown whistled field hockey games. 

Hang out with your family every once in awhile; they're going to miss you the most.

Go to Prom. It may be lame, but at least you'll look good for the night.

Because before you know it, it'll be gone.

You'll be sitting in your dorm room with a complete stranger for your roommate wishing you had your best friend and a sub from back home in your hands.

When you come home during breaks, it will be a breath of fresh air you wouldn't of have ever imagined. That small town you once hated, will be the one thing holding you together during finals week.

I wish someone would have told me this my senior year. So here I am, telling you.

Take time,

take it slow

and take it easy.

Because deep down, you love your small town and you're going to miss it.