Massachusetts is an amazing state. I may be biased because I was born and raised here but I truly believe in the many things that make this state great. I was lucky enough to grow up in a small town 25 miles west of Boston. You've probably never heard of it unless you're from central Massachusetts.

"Where is that?"

If you've ever ventured outside central Massachusetts and into western Massachusetts or into other states you've likely heard this statement when you tell people where you're from. Despite Maynard's history in being the Mill town many people don't know where it is. Who can blame them though, it is only 5.4 square miles.

Going to Erikson's almost everyday in the summer.

Having such an amazing ice cream place in your town is definitely a huge perk. You can almost count on seeing at least five different people that you know there getting their daily dose of ice cream.

Knowing way too much information about everyone.

Now this could be seen as good or bad. Being from such a small town like Maynard you get to know your peers very well. Seriously it's crazy how much we know about each other. Even if you've never personally talked to someone it's likely that you know if they have a sibling and what their parent's names are.

Remembering the glory of "the old school".

Currently the new high school is 4 years old. That means that no one who is currently in that high school spent any years in the old high school. Although I only spent two years in the old school there were still so many great things about it. Whether it was sticking a pencil to crack open the door by the art room to go out to your car, the extremely small band room that was never meant to even be a room for that purpose, or the uneven stairs that everyone has fallen up on at least once, this school had so much character.

The Maze.

If you're not from Maynard trying to navigate through the maze can be difficult. I can remember just aimlessly walking around the maze when I was younger after a trip to Cumberland Farms to get a chill zone. Most likely this was on a half-day and we all would have our backpacks on and a CVS bag in our hand with as much candy as our allowance could buy us.

Growing up in a small town definitely presents it's own challenges. Everyone knows everyone and that's the way that it has always been and will always be. I personally didn't appreciate the great qualities of this small town until I went off to college. Looking back on the 18 years that I spent in Maynard Massachusetts makes me really appreciate a lot more things as I get older. I am proud to say that I knew every single one of my classmates and I wouldn't change any of my small town upbringing.