Momma always said it takes a village to raise a child. She's right. Not only have I had my wonderful parents and family there to support and raise me, I've had my village.

I know what you're thinking, it's not an actual village. Well, it sort of is, it's my hometown.

Let's start with my mother's friends. Friends she's had since elementary school. Together, they've taught me the value of life-long friends. There is the historian who taught me that where you come from is just as important as where you are going. You know the friend, she can quote her family history and yours. The disciplinarian, she'd correct me in a heartbeat and let any of them find me some place I wasn't suppose to be.

Now there are their children. People I would consider my brothers and sisters. Not blood, but brothers and sisters from the heart. There’s the older sister, she’s taught me how to enjoy life and the simple pleasures. There’s the leader, who I consider my big brother. He has taught me to chase after my dreams because he's living his. Then there’s the father figure. The one who always wants to know where we are and what we are doing. These people all showed up the first time I wrecked a truck. Of course I was only 12 and it was in the horse pasture, but they were there fixing the truck and assuring me everything is going to be okay.

Next is my church family who have always supported and guided me in my faith. There is the aunt and uncle who taught me to always trust in the Lord no matter what. They taught me just how great our God is. They were the best example of faithful and spiritual people a girl could ask for. They still are to this day. Of course my pastor was a wonderful example for as long as I can remember. The day I got baptized was one day that I will never forget. I almost slipped and fell but I remember my pastor was so excited for me and the journey that was ahead of me.

My school teachers have always been there for me. I can remember everyone so clearly, kindergarten through high school. Everyone of them has left an imprint on my life somehow. My fourth grade teacher taught me my fractions, my sixth grade teacher showed me music for the first time, and my eighth grade teacher taught me about the Myans and the Egyptians. These women have given me the foundation and love for education so much that I am now majoring in Elementary Education, and someday I hope I will leave imprints on children's lives like they have on mine.

Now there is the town itself. Homey and safe. It taught me simple is usually best. It also taught me to keep my business to myself because in a small town everybody knows everybody. This is the town that raised my grandmother and mother. It kind of feels like a tradition to raise your children here.

My village has made me the person I am today and no matter what, coming home always feels right. No matter how far I go I know my village is always where I left it.