I moved to Huntsville, Texas just after my 18th birthday to attend Sam Houston State University. I went from a town of about 6,000 to a small city with just over 40,000 residents, and about 20,000 students on top of that. Huntsville was so different than what I was used to. While many consider it to be a small town, it felt like the city to me.

I HATED this town when I first moved here. I kid you not. I wanted nothing more than to move back home. I felt so out of place. For basically the first time in my life, I had stepped out of my comfort zone. For eighteen years, I lived with my parents. I threw myself out of the nest when I moved here. My plan was to make it through one year of college and move back home; I wanted to be comfortable.

However, as the months (dragged) by, I slowly fell in love with Huntsville. I slowly adjusted.

Over time, I fell in love with the people and the history. I fell in love with the museums and the historic district. I fell in love with the pride that runs through this town.

I made so many friends. I changed in so many ways. I became a stronger person.

When I first moved here just over three years ago, I couldn't wait to get out. Now, as I'm getting ready to move, I dread leaving.

I hated this town for the first few months. But now, oh, I love it. I have so many fond memories here, and so many happy stories to tell.

I learned to be on my own here. I learned to stand on my own two feet. I learned that there is life outside of my comfort zone, and not only is there life, there is joy.

Huntsville, Texas, taught me that I will always fall in love with new places, new things, and new people. I am forever grateful.