Dear Hometown,

Hey, it’s me. One of the many impatient teenagers who had a running countdown to college move-in day and left as soon as possible after high school graduation. I wanted you to know that it wasn’t because I hate you. I just felt that I was ready to see what else was out there beyond state lines. I wanted to say thank you for all the lessons you taught me, just by being you and letting me grow up here.

Growing up I always said that I wanted to get out of this place. At 18, I wanted to leave and never come back. And although I’m happy that I decided to get away and meet new people and see new things, I always find my way back, even if just for a few days. I drive down the same roads blasting the same radio station I've been listening to since middle school, eat at the same diner, order the same salad, and always manage to drive past the high school and think back to simpler times, ones that just a few months ago, seemed to matter the most.

I have to thank you for multiple things.

Thank you for the memories that still make my BFF and I laugh like little girls.

Thank you for giving me my first car.

Thank you for introducing me to the world’s greatest food- pizza and bagels.

Thank you for my high school, homecoming week, my love of the Friday night lights, the high school football rivalry.

Thank you for drives down to the shore on days it was too hot to be in school.

You taught me that friends come and go, no matter how long you’ve known one another. You also taught me that the true ones will always come back. You gave me friends who will blow up my phone all hours because, despite being separated by hundreds of miles, we have a lasting friendship, and we have you to thank for introducing us.

From the first day of preschool to graduating high school and leaving for college you have seen everything.

Thank you for reminding me of the importance of where I come from.

Thank you for letting me explore the person I really am.

Thank you for all of the opportunities and doors you've opened.

Thank you for the lessons learned and the bridges you let me burn.

Not one bit of me is upset about how I turned out, and I have you to thank. You introduced me to so many people that have impacted my life. I learned many lessons living here and I wouldn’t have wanted to learn them anywhere else. You’ve seen me grow, smile, laugh, and sometimes cry.

Looking back, I don’t know why I complained about you my high school years. I definitely would not be the same person, had I not had you as my hometown. You gave me my beginning, the stepping stone to my future, and I will always be grateful for the memories that you’ve given me. There will most definitely never be another you.

Stay classy hometown.

XOXO