Think of this: 2,500 people. This is the population of people living in my hometown. Think of this: 8,600,000 people. This is the population of people living in New York City. Now if you do some quick math you'll realize that my small town's population can fit into NYC's population about 344 times.
The state of Michigan only has a population of about 10,000,000 which isn't shy of the population that NYC holds. Anyway, the point I am trying to get at is this: I feel as though I am too out of place in this small town and my heart is stuck with a love for the city.
Farmland, tractors on the road, having to drive miles to get anything you need, knowing everyone and their family history, that is what its like to live in a small town. You are so vulnerable and any little move you make is going to follow you everywhere you go.
Concrete buildings, subways, and taxis, walking out your front door to get anything you need, being part of a large melting pot of humans who don't know anything about you. That is what its like to live in a city like New York City. All of the possible vulnerability is gone and you are free to be who you want without judgment.
It is assumed that if you live in a small town you will grow up, go away to college and settle down in the same or a similar small town to your own. Have 2.5 kids, a white picket fence and live a middle-class lifestyle. My grandparents on both my mom's and dad's side all grew up in small towns, had my parents and they too grew up in a small town. Then my parents met in a neighboring small town and had my siblings and me, whom all live in a small town currently.
What draws me to the city lifestyle is the constant hustle and bustle that it radiates as the day goes by. There is a never a dull moment and there is always something that Is going on around the city, no matter where you are. Small towns are nice and quant and relaxing but oh so boring. There is hardly anything to do, and if there is something going on then chances are it won't last more than a few hours or a few days.
Living in the city entails lots of encounters with people of all races, genders, cultures and everything in between. Not one single person is similar to the other and that is what makes the city so unique. Small towns are all seemingly the same. Your teachers are also your sports team coaches, your neighbors are your doctors and dentists and your classmates are your lovers and friends.
At this current moment in time, I feel stuck, like I have been living in this godforsaken town for 21 years and I just need to get out. Anywhere I go I always see people that I know, there is no escaping it and being alone with who you are and living in a place all your own. School is dragging, work is dragging and life is dragging altogether. The life has been sucked out of me living in a small town but as soon as I enter the busy city life once more I feel electrified.
My heart beats faster, my mind feels happier, my overall mood is changed and I feel totally and completely alive while in a city that helps charge my overall being. I may be stuck in this little ole' town for at least another year or two but knowing that soon enough ill be able to call NYC my home helps me push myself each and every day.