I grew up in a small town in Illinois. You know, the kind where you will get stuck behind a tractor on your way to school and the one where everyone knows each other. It's the type of town that cheers on the boys of fall at every Friday night football game.

When I was still there, I couldn't wait to get out. I want to be anonymous to the world. Start fresh elsewhere. Well, I got what I asked for. I am now at Saint Xavier University in Chicago: far away enough to where I feel free, but close enough that I can come home whenever. At first, this new environment was great! No one knew me and I didn't know anyone. We didn't know about each others' stories and that was fantastic. But, well, it's no longer those first few days.

I swore up and down that I wouldn't miss that small town. I wanted to leave so bad, but now, nothing makes me happier than going home. "The place everybody hates, but no one wants to leave." Yup. That sums it up.

So far all of you out there, seniors, juniors, sophomores, let me tell you a few things this college girl misses about our small town, our Victory Valley.

I miss walking down the halls and knowing everyone.

Yes. I know. How ridiculous is that? Well, when you go to a college and you know no one, it's not as fun as you think. There's a big chance that like me, you'll have a handful of new friends at college. In the first few days, those who know each other form circles and it's intimidating to talk to a whole group. My advice: cherish being able to approach anyone and knowing them.

I miss that teachers knew my name.

If you go to a small school, every teacher will know you. That includes everything you've done, your siblings' names, and your academic abilities. You might hate that they do, but I miss it. I miss walking down the hall and saying hi to my favorite teachers. Or stopping by their room to ask for academic and life advice. While you still have time, learn to know your teachers! Foster a relationship with them! They're smart people and if you ask, they'll be able to instruct you on not only homework but life advice. These are things you will definitely need in college.

I miss country roads.

This one is just nostalgic and it's not just about unpaved roads. I miss being able to blast some country music and roll the windows down. I miss those drives with my friends. I miss knowing how to get to places. If you're not from Chicago, the city is intimidating! So, learn to love knowing how to get places without having to use your GPS.

I miss my friends.

They're also all your classmates. These are the people who you saw grow up with you. You know every embarrassing detail about them. You saw them fall but get back up. You saw them struggle and rise above. You'll miss how close to you they live. Cherish that if you want to see them, you'll see them the next day at school and not during a holiday after a few hours of driving.

There are so many things you're going to miss. How do I know? Because I lived them and I miss them. You'll miss your parents, your siblings, your pets, your friends, your teachers, and even the gas station pizza. So while I understand your desire to leave (trust me, I went through this last year), cherish it while you have it. Also remember you haven't lost it. Visit your favorite teachers once in a while. Come back home and make the usual drives you took. Reminisce over the memories built here. And if you don't have any memories yet, make them. Enjoy your small town now because one day, you'll miss the simplicity, the lack of traffic, the community, the love.

So what is my advice for you? Love that tiny town you call home and enjoy it. Don't ever forget to come back home.