Typically when someone from rural Illinois meets with an out-of-stater they always face the dreaded explanation of where they are from. I am here to clear a few things up for those of you who just can't seem to understand what the heck we are talking about. So here are 29 facts and common misconceptions about us small town folk.

1. No, we are not from Chicago or probably even close to it. Some of us haven't even been there because it's really not that important to us.

2. Your name brand clothes mean nothing to us because half of them we haven't heard of while the other half is over an hour drive to get to. So we only go on special occasions.

3. Even though we have an accent, We aren't from the South. It's just a hick thing.

4. Our entire town is probably smaller than how many people you went to high school with.

5. If we ask lots of questions about what an all boy/girl school is like, we aren't trying to be creepy. We just don't have those around so basically we see you as an alien.

6. No, we do not all drive trucks or tractors or shoot guns. Most of of us yes, but not all.

7. Okay, #6 was a lie. Like 98% of us do at least 1 or probably all 3.

8. Just because we don't understand your slang doesn't mean we are dumb, because I can guarantee you don't know ours either.

9. Example: When we say RTing we do not mean retweet. So please don't think we are talking about a group of us getting together to retweet things because we aren't. Not even close.

10. Most of us have roots that start with farmers or might still be farmers. So next time you decide to say farming isn't a lifestyle and they are cruel to their animals, be ready to get an ear full and gain some knowledge that you're little fact-based article can't teach.

11. The typical hangout is the high school parking lot or McDonald's.

12. It is easy for us to tell you the name of our neighbors or every person on the entire street or even the names of all the kid we went to high school with

13. We don't always listen to country music, but that's usually what you're going to find is playing when you get in the car.

14. We don't date our cousins, but the town over might.

15. A derby doesn't involve horses running in circles, but instead dirty, sweaty guys from ages 16 to 60 who are slamming cars, that are usually found in a junk yard but modified, against each other while people cheer and scream lots of profanity.

16. The largest organization is always a tough match between band and FFA. Well, that is if you are lucky enough to go to a school that can afford a band program.

17. Yes, there are dangerous people in our town. We are not hidden from the evils of this world, though we do not have gang violence. Just some stupid high school kids who think they are badass for breaking into cars or defacing property.

18. In case you already forgot about #1, I want to remind you that no we do not live in or near Chicago. WE JUST DON'T.

19. A sad truth is many of us won't go to college, but instead start working full time because they'd make the same money whether or not they got a degree.

20. Not everyone wants to end up right back home, but many of us are looking for a small town just like we grew up in.

21. Like many of you believe and many country songs say, we do just hop in a vehicle and ride down back roads for hours because there is nothing to do in a small town.

22. Unlike many seem to believe, we are NOT all small minded people, but change is hard for us just like anyone else. I won't act like we aren't set in our ways, but not everyone is still acting like it's the 1960s.

23. Even the rich kids have jobs because around here everyone works hard. Well except for the typical government leaches that seem to be multiplying.

24. Our sports are very important and when someone gets farther than regionals, you best believe that everyone is going whether they're from there or the county over because who knows when it'll happen again.

25. If you expect to fly down the road think again. Our 30 mph speed limit on the main road and large amount of tractors will slow ya down in a hurry. Not many of us have spot lights so expect stop signs every now and again.

26. A party in a cornfield or a bonfire in the woods that you see in movies, well they got it from us.

27. Everyone knows everything. EVERYTHING.

28. Unlike Chicago most of our leaders and community are Republican and have been for years. Though, we do have Democrats and those who are Independent.

29. If you grieve, we all grieve with you. A death hits the town hard no matter if they were "important" or not.

Sometimes I do wish that I had grown up somewhere larger, so that I would have had more experiences or opportunities. Then other times I realize how fortunate I am that I could go play in my front yard without fear of being taken. Or that my mom could send me off on a bike with my friends, with NO CELL PHONE, and know that at dinner time I'd be home safe and sound. Though I won't act like a small town is a safe haven or the best place in the world, because it isn't. And sometimes it isn't for people, just like big cities aren't for some of us. Drama is common and gossip is always flying, so many things would reach home before I did. But I can say with all of my heart that I am PROUD to be a small town girl who has seen wide open spaces, the hard work from men who are trying to make a living and feed the world, and also the helping hand everyone gives in a moment's notice. So, we may not have skyscrapers, The Bean, or unlimited places to go. But what we do have are views that take your breath away because nature is the most beautiful sight, local businesses that put big chain companies to shame, and the places we have that don't cost a thing to get into.