Lubbock. Home sweet home, at least for the next four years. Many descriptors follow when someone mentions Lubbock, most of which involve the words dustbowl, ugly, boring, or party-school. People speak clearly about their distaste for a five-hour drive which boasts views of nothing and leads to nowhere. Texas Tech is described as the “high school of the west” and is belittled by the likes of aggies and UT students alike. Despite all of the negativity that surrounds Lubbock and its school, there is a lot to love about our dusty home.

To begin, the drive (if you’ve never made to journey out) is not as bad as people make it out to be. Especially if you take the 114 route, there are great expanses of Texas Plains, a sight that I find most enjoyable when paired with a West Texas sunset.

This winding highway does indeed take you out into the middle of nowhere, which is in fact, a wonderful place to be. Even when you’ve made it into the heart of Lubbock, a relaxing backroad driving session is no more than ten minutes away. Even if you’re not accustomed to a country setting, you learn to love the peace and serenity that seems to settle over Lubbock.

For people in Lubbock, Texas Tech is the main attraction, and some days it does seem like the circus has come to town. On football gamedays especially, the town bustles with an excitement that briefly takes over the usually tranquil atmosphere. Families, alumni, and students pile into the Jones AT&T stadium in waves, throwing their guns up and trying their hardest to get at least a couple tortillas onto the field.

Aside from school spirit, Lubbock has also been labeled the friendliest city in America, and although that may not be supported by data, it is true.

The people In Lubbock are country, laid-back, and generally pretty sweet. They’ll usually go out of their way to help you out, or at least toss a genuine smile your way. Boys hold doors, wear cowboy boots, and call you ma’am.

It’s almost as if you were sucked back in time, which is a cool thing for the most part. Simplistic and unnerving, the vibe in Lubbock elicits being yourself and nothing more. There is little expectation here. It’s okay to have a very western style that matches the scenery, but it’s also okay to be anything else your heart desires.

Living in Lubbock has changed me for the better. I am more myself than I have ever been, and my personal growth was most definitely spurred on by my environment. I don’t know why or how, but Lubbock (affectionately referred to by me as the Lub) has a kind of magic that some refuse to see.

People can look down on Lubbock all they like; that only means that they haven’t really given it a chance.

So come out to West Texas, leave you reservations behind, and experience what it’s like to lose yourself in a place where everyone is welcome.