In just a few short months, high school graduates nationwide will be walking across a stage, shaking hands with the administrators and teachers that helped them succeed, and receiving their diplomas.
While this is an exciting time for everyone involved, many of the graduates will be thinking, "I'm so glad I'm finally getting out of this town!"
I was one of them.
I couldn't wait to leave my small town. Sure, I knew I would miss the Friday night football games, the bonfires, my friends, my family, the clubs I was involved in, and my own bed. But, I couldn't wait to leave. I couldn't wait to meet new people and see new things. I couldn't wait to be "an adult."
I've been in college for two years now.
For all of the 2017 graduates out there...
You are going to miss your hometown. The first month of college is going to be scary, perfect, intimidating, wonderful, and demanding. You're going to love it.
One day, though, you're going to be driving home on a sunny day listening to your favorite music and realize that you actually miss your hometown.
You miss your friends. You miss your family. You miss the roads. You miss the restaurants. You miss the way your house smells. You miss your backyard. You miss driving. You miss the local ice cream shops. You miss your pets. You miss Sundays. You miss all of it.
I know you feel like there's no way you could ever miss your hometown, but you will. You may not miss high school, but you'll miss where you came from.
College is such an incredible experience, but it makes you appreciate the little things in life.
So, slow down. Enjoy the summer. And always remember to appreciate the town that makes you, you.
You will miss it. You will want to come back.