If people have ever given you a strange look when they ask where you grew up, then you’re probably in the same boat (or should I say farm town?) as me. Growing up I had always wanted to live in a big city where there was always exciting things happening and I could listen to the buzz of the traffic and see the bright lights shining outside my window. I guess I sort of took it all for granted, because after I graduated I realized there were a lot of things I learned from growing up in a small town.

1. A dirt road and a good country song can change your mood completely.

Whether you’re heartbroken or mad at your best friend, there’s nothing that a long drive on a dirt road can’t fix. Pair it with some of your favorite country songs (Sam Hunt or Jason Aldean plz) and I promise you’ll forget why you were even upset in the first place.

2. Your friend’s families are your family, too.

At every football game, awkward high-school dance or random barn party, there was no way I could ‘just make an appearance’. Who knew it was possible for so many parents to know who you are, who your parents are AND what kind of car you drive. Short catch-ups with the townies turned into “Come on over and have dinner with us!” Saying no was never an option.

On a different note, your best friends brothers and sisters are basically considered your brothers and sisters, too. If someone’s bullying you and you’re too scared to do anything about it, you can bet that your best friend’s brother has already taken care of it for you.

3. Teachers aren’t just your teachers.

Every teacher I ever had knew me by my first and last name. More than likely they knew just about everything about my family (and my dog), too. Not only did they care about the grade I got on my assignments, but they also cared and were inquisitive about my dreams and how I planned to reach my goals once I finally left my small town in Minnesota. In fact, even after you graduate college they still want to hear all about your successes. I’ll happily meet with my old English teacher for coffee any day.

4. Never tell a lie.

You have a secret? Too bad. Chances are, everyone knows your secret before you even get to school in the morning. But what can you expect from a small school, everyone loves to be involved in every one else’s business. Everyone knows everyone in a small town, and they also know everything about you.

5. Always be selfless, never selfish.

Being from a small town, you can make or break your reputation over night. You learn that looking at the bigger picture of things rather than only caring about yourself (even if you’re known to be a little bit sassy and smart-a$$y), will allow you to go so much further in your life. By having the respect from your peers, parents, teachers, coaches and family friends, you’ll learn that there’s nothing your community won’t do for you. Someone will always have your back.

When friends come to visit me, they are appalled at the fact that I could bare to live in such a small, isolated area.  When I was younger I would agree and say how much it sucks that there is nothing to do besides go to basketball games followed by a bonfire in the middle of nowhere (did I mention cheap beer?).  Now when people ask me about where I grew up I smile and tell them, "It sounds and looks a little rough on the outside, but it's my favorite place to call home."