In July, I left home earlier than a lot of people in my hometown did. Above are some of my high school friends and I.

I decided by the end of junior year where I was going to college. I now reside in St. Charles, Missouri as a freshman in college. I get asked the same two questions during conversations of where I am from.

The first is the obvious, "where are you from?". I answer with "Upstate, New York." Since people only seem to hear "New York" in that statement, the follow up question I am asked is, "why are you here?"

First off, this question is usually asked in a tone of disappointment, like it is disappointing that I would come here. So, please stop acting like I downgraded. I happen to like it here... I probably would not be here if I didn't like it here.

I only say this in my head...

I actually answer the "why" question with happens to be a vastly different response.

I always start with the typical "my major is special education" and "I love St. Charles." Then, I usually get a second question of why I chose Missouri over New York. This question is especially relevant if the person I am speaking with knows that I am part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Here's the thing, I did not like New York. I am from Upstate, New York. New York City is a completely different place. New York City is a more open-minded area depending on what borough you are in and where in the city you go. If you have ever been there you understand what I am talking about. Things and people change based on what street you are on.

Upstate New York has mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Upstate New York does not have skyscrapers and city traffic. I have a tractor not a bus ticket. Are you getting the point I am trying to make yet...?

Depending on where you are in Upstate New York you will find open-minded people. But, open-minded people are easier to be found and evaluated with a person by person basis. I was lucky enough to graduate around an area that was accepting of me and to be around a community where I could find teachers and friends who accepted me. They also looked out for me.

I started laughing this past week because, of the "snow" that was on the ground. People were literally going 15mph on the highway over a few flurries. My friend who was in the car with me literally had a panic attack when I turned on my windshield wipers... I have been told that winters are terrible here. But, back at home, we had school on days that we had over three feet. I guess you could call that a big change.

So, I guess I moved here for the change, but also because I am happy here. I wasn't happy in New York. This is where I want to be and where I chose to be.

I love where I am.