Growing up in a small town, I always had a feeling in the back of my mind that I was missing out on something. Bigger towns had more opportunities, and that because I didn’t have all the same opportunities as them, I was missing out on life just a bit. But what I didn’t realize is that my small town brought me so much more than even I realized, and it wasn’t as clear until I left. My small town taught me a lot of things, like:

1. The best memories are made when you don’t realize you’re making them

The best times you'll ever have are when you're sitting with your best friends or at a bonfire with your friends, and you don't even realize that those are the best nights of your life until you look back on them.

2. Sometimes having nothing really is having everything

The fact that there isn't a Starbucks or McDonald's just down the road makes you realize just how great your life can be without all the glitz and glam, and that there is truly beauty in "having nothing".

3. Don’t take for granted the fact your friends are only 5 minutes down the road

Never again will you be able to WALK to any of your best friend's houses in 5 minutes or less when you desperately need them, they need you, or you're just plain bored.

4. Be thankful that you know everyone well enough to say hello

I can wave to anyone on the street, and expect a wave or hello back because that's just how we all were raised. Plus, most people let you pet their dog if you ask, and that's a given to make your day better.

5. Be nice to everyone around you, even the people you don’t particularly like

You're gonna run into them everywhere anyway, so why burn a bridge when you don't need to. Be friendly to everyone, it'll get you so much farther in life, I promise.

6. Be thankful for the constant support from everyone, even those you don’t know

As a high school athlete, I always had people I didn't know that well cheering me on at games, and nowhere else will find as many people in one place rooting for me to succeed.

7. Spend time with the family you love at least once a week

When your grandparents only live 12 miles down the road, and your mom and dad are only a few steps down the hall, you can find the time to see them for at least an hour and don't forget to tell them you love them.

8. Find peace in doing nothing

Sometimes just sitting outside and looking at the sky in the open country air is exactly what you need to cleanse your soul, and without a million things in town to be doing, doing nothing is all you need to be doing.

9. Always be a role model for the young kids watching you

Every kid wants to be just like the athlete and the kids they grew up watching, and in a small town, you are that person. So always do your best to lead them in the right direction, and talk to them whenever you have the chance, I promise you it'll make their day.

10. Blasting country music with the windows down is therapy for the soul

Sometimes all you need is a good "Cruise" with Florida Georgia Line or Luke Bryan where you scream your lungs out to the radio and let go of all your problems.

11. Wherever you go, your small town will always be there for you

I can be gone for months away at college, and come back and immediately feel at home as soon as I pull into town. It's a sense of community you can't find anywhere else and knowing that at least 100 people really does make life a lot less stressful.

My small town may not be your definition of perfect, and it may even seem like a prison to some, but to me, it’s home. It’s the place where I grew up, and it’s the place that taught so many things that make me who I am today. My small town shaped me and my personality, and even if I had the chance, I wouldn’t change that for the world.