I lived in a town just outside of Annapolis, Maryland for all 18 years of my life. I went to school there, made my first friends, played on the soccer team, and cheered with people in my town. It's not a small town by any means but everyone knows everyone and word gets around pretty quickly. That being said, from the youngest age I can remember, I knew I wanted to go out of state for college. I wanted to be able to make my own name and not be known as the "younger sister" any longer.
Throughout high school, I wished the days away, counting down the moments until I would go to college. That was all until move in day came. Driving through my hometown one last time, knowing I wouldn't be back for a couple months, was honestly very frightening. I had packed up my car and left everything I had ever known, in the past. I had the rest of my life before my eyes but there will always be a piece of my heart in my hometown.
With finals coming to an end and winter break beginning, I cannot wait to be back on my old stomping grounds. I miss being able to jump in my car and know exactly where I am going without having to turn on Waze. Directions downtown, to the bank, to the nearest Chick-Fil-A, and so much more, I know like the back of my hand. It's going to be so nice to be able to rely on myself for directions, even if it is just for a month. Plus, knowing the back roads is a huge bonus, especially during rush hour.
I went to school with most of the kids in my hometown for 12 years. Having my best friends right down the road is something I miss a lot. Facetime will no longer have to suffice when something happens during the day, I can show up with ice cream and I know they'll be down to watch a show and chat all night. After all, their parents are basically mine after all the years we spent together.
Downtown. I am so pumped for spur of the moment trips downtown. Being able to text in the group chat with 5 of my closest friends and grab dinner downtown is something I have missed so much. If you have ever been to downtown Annapolis, you know exactly what I mean. The views are gorgeous and every restaurant has delicious food. Don't forget the photo shoots on the water; that's an obvious must when you're already downtown looking cute. I am pretty sure I have a million photos posing on the same dock but, what's another 5 or 10?
I never thought I would say this, but I honestly miss the hustle and bustle of my hometown. The traffic lights seemed never ending but, it was always so fun to get stopped at a red light and know the person in the car next to you. Going into the grocery store and running into 10 different people I know is something I will love to do. It is so nice to know that people remember you and even if it's just for a minute, it will be a great time to catch up.
I never thought I would say this, but I can't wait to go home. The people in my hometown have seen me at my best and worst and I am so excited to be reunited.
