I'll admit that at first, I thought writing this would be a piece of cake. However, as I restart for the seventh time, I find it more difficult than once thought. And to be honest, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I don't want to portray you in the beautiful way that others may not see or think to be true. It could be because I don't know how to talk about some things that happen here without sounding like I'm ragging on the place I call home. But possibly it's because I don't know how to thank you enough for everything you have done for me and taught me. So here goes nothing.

Dear hometown,

Since the day I was born, you have been a part of me. And just as I have grown, so have you. I went 13 years to your schools, with teachers who didn't just care about teaching me in school, but made a point to make sure I knew they cared about my life and me personally. Because of your small community, I graduated with many of the same kids not only from my p.m. kindergarten class, but from preschool. I grew up in our town knowing that Friday nights are spent cheering on our football team, and Sunday mornings are spent worshiping at church.

You have taught me that in our hometown everyone is expected to excel in the classroom and that mediocrity is not acceptable. Because of where I am from I know that family is much deeper than just blood relatives. Our neighbors here become more than just the people that live down the road. Here, they become the people you grow up, the people you support in times of need, and celebrate with in times of triumph. Here, you wave to everyone you pass driving down the road, you are taught to say yes ma'am and no sir, and you learn the value of hard work. The amazing qualities you hold have molded so many young people to go on and do extraordinary things. But I do feel like there are some that have missed out.

I would love to say that I never once have said I couldn't wait to leave you, but that would be a lie. While it is nice growing in such a minuscule place, going through adolescence in a town possessing only six stop lights had its challenges. For many, boredom is the biggest problem. And yes, I do know that there's the Jesse James museum to go to, but I've been there like at least 18 times (if you haven't, are you even from our town). Given, this really wasn't a problem until I entered high school and saw how it affected classmates. The classroom helpers from third grade were the same people who turned to alcohol before the age of 15. I've watched kids who have so much talent and brain waste it because of the activities they participated in out of boredom. The activities, or lack of, you provide is not your fault, and the effect of boredom is not your fault, but it is a problem that is growing in you faster than some care to believe. And sadly, it's not the only problem you are facing.

Despite your faults, and because of your perks, I am proud of you. I am proud to be from a community who has supported me through everything, every sporting game I ever played in, every academic adventure I ever endeavored, and every struggle I have face. So I need to say thank you. Thank you for showing me that goodhearted people do exist and that home isn't such a bad place to be. While you may not be convenient for everything, you have been a more than conventional place to be raised. While the map dot in the state of Missouri may be small, the amount of love for you I have in heart is large.

Sincerely, the person who misses you more than anything while at school.