A Letter To My Hometown
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Letter To My Hometown

I can't pretend to hate you.

25
A Letter To My Hometown
Elizabeth Bromley

To my hometown,

Thank you.

Thank you for giving me everything you could offer. After 18 years of living in the same house on the same street, I've learned a lot from the little bubble that you are.

Even though I rarely admit it, finding my home in you was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. If I didn't have you, I wouldn't be who I am today. Sure, every moment of my entire life has ultimately shaped who I've become, but you have always been a big part of who I am.

It's really easy to hate the town you grew up in. It's too this, it's too that, I would've been happier there. I don't think I went a day in high school without hearing how much people hated you sometimes. From being too small, too conservative, and too lame, people always found something to complain about. However, I don't want to play the victim in this narrative.

Don't get me wrong, I can complain, too. I'm not going to pretend that everything was sunshine and rainbows for 18 years, but I choose to remember growing up, in every sense of the word, growing up.

From the high highs to the low lows, without the times I felt down, I wouldn't be able to appreciate the times I was happiest to the extent that I do. I haven't forgotten the times I've felt stuck, out of place, or wished I was somewhere else, but I wish that I had recognized that you are sometimes exactly where you need to be.

I can't pretend that I loved even half of the moment I spent with you, but you have given me more than I can thank you for. In my years, I've heard a lot of people say awful things about you. I can own up to my negative comments, but I can't pretend to hate you. After all that you've offered me, I could never hate you. You've given me everything I have and you helped me shape the person I am today. Without you, I would've never gotten to where I am now.

Though I would have never realized the happiness I was missing until I moved on, I will always be grateful for all the opportunities you gave me.

Thank you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41236
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25776
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951193
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

134387
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments