People call us "Region Rats" and you know what? I am damn proud of that nickname. There are so many pros and cons to being from Northwest Indiana that no one ever really sits back and thinks about the good things. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm like everyone else. I want to live in another state or heck, even another country at one point in my life. And unfortunately, some of the political decisions that have been made here haven't been the greatest. However, without the political part in mind, I have sat back and thought about some of the things I'd like to thank the region for.
First off, just being home. I have lived in the region my entire life and it holds a place in my heart as home. It is where my childhood home is, where all of the schools I went to are located, and all of my childhood and teenage memories are. It holds much sentimental value to my heart and my mind. It is where I can always come back to, no matter what else goes right or wrong in my life. The region may not be the best place or most exciting, but it is where I can point out my home, my favorite hang out spots, and my friends' homes to my future husband and future kids.
Secondly, the region is where I learned part of who I was. If it wasn't for the region and the experiences and memories I hold true to myself, I wouldn't have been able to learn about my culture, myself, and where I belong. I wouldn't realize that there is such a much bigger world past the region and Indiana and without that, I would think that to stay there forever was perfectly okay for me. However, I learned that I want to go out and experience other places, other cultures, and other things, knowing that the region is and forever will be my first home.
The third thing I want to thank the region for is for being a mini reunion spot for my family. A lot of my family stayed in Northwest Indiana, which totally awesome by the way because I can see them literally whenever. However, some of my family members left Indiana. This means whenever there's a big holiday or a significant birthday party being thrown, everyone flies or drives to Indiana and we all get to relish in old memories and good times, meanwhile making more memories for years to come. I could never relate to people who's entire family was far away from them because most of my family stayed in Northwest Indiana. I grew up close to my extended family and that is something I am glad I got to have.
Lastly, it provided me with the best of experiences. I love the places and little nooks and crannies my friends and I discovered growing up. Places like Ziggie's, Round The Clock, White Rino, the mall, Steak and Shake, Showplaces 12 and 16, and 49er Drive-In are some of the places that hold some of my favorite memories. Even with how close we are to Chicago is the best thing ever because Chicago is one of my favorite cities on the planet. Chicago even holds some of my most cherished memories during my awkward years!
To be honest, I have always talked about how much I hated the region and couldn't wait to leave. I decided to go to school outside of the region and the crazy thing is, sometimes I wish I didn't. Although I love the friends and connections that I've made down in college, I love when I get to go back home and see my family members and best friends from home. I happen to have a lot of friends from high school still and I really miss them. The region always ends up being this common ground and provides plenty of hangout spots for us to meet up and reconnect and catch up. Leaving to basic and AIT made me realize even more how much I just missed being near and close to everyone and for awhile, I didn't even think to leave the region, despite its quirks.
Basically the summary of this letter is thank you, Northwest Indiana. For some of the best and most monumental moments in my life. From my past boyfriends to my best friends to all of my cherished moments with my crazy family, it would not have been the same if we were any place different.
The region will always be home and I will always be a "Region Rat".
