The restricting borders that enclose the small town you call home can feel isolating. Sometimes it may feel like you’re smothering. I hear you in the high school hallways exclaiming, “I can’t wait to move far away from here!” You have big city dreams that your tiny town can’t handle, and I know exactly how you feel.

I know how you feel because once upon a time, I was you. My mind dreamed of a magical world outside of my small town. Every day, I talked about how much I would flourish once I escaped. I thought I had it all figured out. But I'm not you anymore.

My sophomore year of high school I opted to take a new elective my school was offering. It was called “Appalachian Literature”, and honestly, I signed up for it at first because it just seemed like an easy credit, but it turned into so much more than that.

The teacher of the class was a soft-spoken woman from Kentucky who had recently moved to Tennessee to teach. She was my English teacher and Appalachian Literature teacher at the same time. However, I feel like I took in a lot more new and interesting information in Appalachian Literature.

In Appalachian Literature, I learned about how vibrantly beautiful and unique my home was. While my town is small, it is overflowing at the seams with culture and uniqueness. However, there were people like you in my class. People who gained nothing from it. They spoke everyday of how much they couldn't wait to be out. They were like you, but they were not you. You are different because I believe in you. You see, my teacher taught me to love my small town as much as she loved hers, and now, I hope I can encourage you to love yours.

The unique thing about small towns is that everyone tends to know each other. Your communities tend to be tighter. Friendships seem to last longer. People tend to be more interesting. Gossip seems to spread quicker. Each town is different. Your town is uniquely yours. It raised you up, and no matter where your life takes you, your town should welcome you back with open arms.

So, girl who hates her small town, don't be dismayed. If you want to leave, go as far as dreams may take you. But don't forget how much warmer a hug felt when it was from familiar arms. Don't forget how much more blue the sky seemed when framed by beautiful green mountains. Don't forget how refreshing the cool river water felt on a scalding summer day. Most of all, don't forget the community that taught you how to love Jesus, cook delicious food, and dream the biggest dreams. After all, they always told you that you could be anything you wanted, and look at you now.