Growing Up In North Haven, Maine
Start writing a post
Relationships

Growing Up In North Haven, Maine

How growing up in a small town made me the person I am today.

103
Growing Up In North Haven, Maine
Kennedy Cooper

I've lived a few different places, from college in Nashville to my semester abroad in Australia. Nothing is quite like the town I was raised in. North Haven, Maine is different than most places. It's an island resting 12 miles off the coast of Maine. I haven't seen another place where everyone throws out a friendly wave as they drive by. There is no other town where everyone calls you by name.

It's a blessing and a curse. You quickly develop a reputation for yourself. Things stick with you forever here. Everyone says people will forget, but they don't. When it comes down to it, you'll always be the kid who wrecked his truck that summer night, or the girl who dropped out of school.

People don't forget, but they do move on. Something more exciting than your car crash happens, something new to talk about will always pop up. You get your 15 minutes of fame, and then you step out of the spotlight.

While the people here can be judgmental, maybe even hypocritical at times, they have all helped shape me into the woman I am today. I will admit this small town had a large hand in raising me.

Everyone is a hard worker.

The island starts to buzz as early as 3 a.m. with the sound of lobster boat engines. Men and women with salt water in their veins, suffering from peeling hands, herring bone splinters, and sunburnt cheeks steam out to haul their first string of many, and begin their long day. My hometown taught me the importance of working hard at what you love.

Everyone is strong.

Be it physically, mentally, or spiritually. My hometown taught me to be tough. To stand up for what you believe in, never settle for less, and be the best version of yourself every day. Most importantly to not care what other people think of you. Even when you go through something hard, your determination to be the best, without being arrogant, defines you.

There's always a helpig hand if you need it.

I have definitely seen that if ever you're in a sticky situation, there will be someone to help. When my car ran out of gas, four different people stopped to see if I was okay. That simply wouldn't happen in a big city. People pass by. If you run into trouble with your health, and can't pay your medical bills, the wives of the fishermen will be the first to donate a homemade dinner to your potluck fundraiser. When you bring your first baby home there will be a welcome home sign waiting for you on the town message board. My hometown made me understand that helping your neighbor is just as important as helping yourself.

We are family.

A member of my community is a member of my family. Many of these women took care of me when I was little. The men taught me how to drive. The kids teach me more and more every day about creativity. If I see your dog on South Shore road I'll pick him up and take him home, so you don't have to leave work. If you need an extra $5 at the store, I'll hand it to you and I don't expect you to pay me back. That's just what family does. My hometown taught me the importance of family.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, so thank you, North Haven, for raising me. I hope one day I get to prove to you all that you did a pretty damn good job.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40587
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25198
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950828
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

132472
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments