The Valley, which is not really a valley, and until this day I do not know how it got its name, is a wonderful place that people seem to forget exists. The tip of Texas, as we call it, has so many great things to offer, but to tell you the truth, it lacks diversity. For that reason and others, those who grow up there either love it or hate it.

I am truly proud to be from the 956 like we call it, and those who love it will flaunt it. However, the flaunting often happens after the person leaves the Valley to go to college or just moves away. As hard as it is to leave home, leaving the valley gives you a sense of freedom that you lacked while living there. Going out and experiencing other cultures and other parts of the world will allow you to broaden your horizons.

At a young age, I started traveling around the US and Mexico and really opened my eyes to the amount of diversity that existed in the US. Every time I was in another city traveling, I felt free to dress differently or do something out of the ordinary because I wasn't being judged for it. As opposed to home, everyone knew everyone, and they were very close minded. They do not like change. As I was getting older, it started to become more of a problem.

Moving away from my hometown has been the best decision I have made. As much as I miss my family sometimes, I did it for myself. Opportunities are there, and it is a great place to grow up in, but at some point, there is a need for a change. You feel stuck in this bubble of the same people that eventually pushes you away from the place you once saw nothing wrong with.

Advantages exist, they do, such as the amazing food and welcoming spirit of the culture, but if you do not leave when you get the chance then you never will. The reasons for leaving depend on the person but from my experience and the experience of others I know, it was either the lack of diversity in both ethnicities and mindsets or just to feel the adventures of living somewhere else.

The Valley, Texas is my home and will always be that way. I have heard many different opinions on staying there or leaving, but for me the decision of leaving has led me to become more open-minded about diversity of all kinds, find out what really interested me without having the subconscious judgement of others, and just do some soul searching that I would not have been able to do if I stayed in my comfort zone. I will never forget where I come from because the valley still lives in me, and I still practice my culture.