You either love living in a small town or you hate it. Now West Plains is pretty small, but we do have a couple more things to do than the surrounding small towns. I actually loved living in West Plains. Sometimes it was good to get away, but I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else.

Here are nine factors that indicate that you grew up in West Plains:

1. Your baseball coach is also your English teacher.

2. "Going to town" really meant "Going to Sonic."

You bet that's where I spent most nights at and so did everyone else that attended WPHS. (Also, the right side is forbidden.)

3. You will not go to Walmart or the movies without seeing someone you know.

That 10 minute Walmart trip ends up being that 25-minute heart to heart with someone you haven't talked to in a while.

4. Sports are like holidays.

New field, new coach, new program. Everyone comes to the games to watch the "Boys of Fall." Everyone comes and supports everyone. (Also, Pep Club, you can try to live up to the class of '15, but you'll fail every time.)

5. You can't cruise through town without seeing some rebel flag on someone's "jacked up" truck (that sounds like it could explode any second).

6. If someone is pregnant, you know about it.

If someone got in a fight, you know about it. If someone got engaged/dating/anything else you bet you'll find out about it.

7. If you end up on a dirt road you know you'll come out on CC, K, or 14 HWY sooner or later.

Just turn the radio up and keep driving.

8. We actually know what a Zizzer is.

9. We are a family.

If someone ever needs help or anything you bet you have that one person you can call to come help.

Now I get some kids say, "I can't wait to get out of this town." Starting something new is great and you need to adventure out in the world, but don't take your hometown for granted. It's where family is and it's where you made some of your first memories. This town is really what you make of it. If you want to be involved with drama, it's because that's your choice and the friends you hang around with. It's a small town who cares who dates who or what she/he said. Will it matter 10 years from now?

I am so thankful for growing up in a small town like West Plains. I am thankful for the friends I have made, my family and the memories.