I grew up in a very small town, with only a few traffic lights. The only "big" stores we had were a Kmart and a Kroger. Growing up, I always heard people say how terrible it was living in such a tiny place. Well, now I go to college in the next town over, which is equally as small. Obviously, I don't mind small towns too much. Here are a few misconceptions people have about small towns and some reasons why I don't think they are all that bad.
1. Everyone knows everyone.
You know that phrase, "They've never met a stranger." In small towns like the one I grew up in, that phrase was true for almost everyone who lived there. "Everyone knows everyone" is a statement that is often used to speak against small towns, but I think knowing everyone can be a good thing. It is kind of like in the movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, it seemed like the narrator knew the name of every Who in Whoville. Well, every time I go to vote, and the ladies running the polls already know my name, I feel like singing "Fah Who Doraze" with all my fellow citizens.
2. There is nothing to do there.
First of all, I think this can be a major misconception about small towns. Sure, there are not a lot of places to go when you want something to do, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to do. In small towns you have to learn to create your own fun, which helps you become a more creative and innovative person. Some of my favorite memories have happened after those "I'm so bored" moments because you end up going on a crazy outing that you will never forget or meeting new people because they are playing a card game and you have nothing better to do. If nothing else, small towns force you to hang out with your friends and just have some good conversations. I can think of worse ways to spend my time.
3. There is so much drama.
This statement is one that I heard frequently during my high school days. However, I think the "drama" happening between teenagers has more to do with hormones than it does of the size of the place where they live. I have met people from bigger towns than my own in college, even some from different states or countries. They had no less amount of petty drama growing up than my small high school did.
There are a lot of misconceptions about small towns. You may or may not believe them to be true. Regardless, I am proud of the small town where I grew up- not because of the size, but because of the people. Growing up, I was surrounded by such supportive and kind individuals, and they still support me to this day. Say what you will about small towns. Stomp your feet, and say how you "hate it there," but I believe that small towns hold some of the best and closest communities you can find. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the small town I call home.
