Growing up, I have always wanted to live somewhere else. Living in a town of about 5,000 people can be hard on anyone. I would pass people on the street who always knew who I was. If I needed to run errands in my pajamas, I couldn't, because I would undoubtedly see at least three people I knew. I went through all 12 years of school with the same 150 kids I graduated with. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to expand myself and live somewhere else for awhile. I continued to feel this way until I got to college, and my mentality on my small town did a complete 180.
When bad things happen, you have an army standing behind you.
With life comes heartache, and in a small town, everyone comes together to support you. While I've learned this the hard way, others understand that this simply is a plus of knowing everyone around you and also knowing where you are. Small towns are great for things like that - unconditional love and care.
You always have a place to return to.
School isn't easy. We're away from our families for months at a time and stress eventually builds up until we're about to explode. There's no feeling that's more comforting than climbing in the car and driving home so mom can make you homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner.
"Remember that time..."
Small towns are full of those moments. I could be working, I could be out somewhere, and I'll likely always run into someone I know, and it usually ends up with reminiscing about old memories. I used to hate this; it was like I was always reminded of things I did when I was in high school. However, I love those moments now. It reminds me of how much fun I had but also how I am ready to make new memories with new people.
It's who you are.
It's something I never let myself forget when I'm away at school. My friends joke with me about certain phrases I say, or how strong my Southern accent is when I come back from being at home for awhile, but it's something I'm proud of. I was raised in a town where God comes first, family second, and work comes third. It teaches you life lessons and as I've gotten older, it's made me embrace who I am and I've gained a whole new appreciation for it.
Small towns have pros and cons, as does every other place on Earth. It was tough growing up sometimes because there was nothing to do, or I got tired of always running into people I knew, but living away teaches you a lot; not just about the town, but about yourself. I should really say "thank you" to Erwin a lot more than I do. I'm proud to call Tennessee home, and no matter where life takes me, that is what it will always be.
