I grew up in a very tiny town in Massachusetts. And by tiny, I mean only 8,000 people. My entire life, my classmates always talked about how they couldn't wait to get out and never come back. I fell victim to hating my tiny town and longing for city life and adventure. It wasn't until I left did I realize how much I actually loved where I came from and couldn't wait to go back. There are things people only from small towns experience growing up. Here are a few:
1. Everyone knows everything about everyone.
They're gonna know everything, weather you like it or not. It doesn't matter if you got into Harvard or got arrested. They know who's dating whom, who got promoted, and who's getting arrested.
2. There's never any traffic.
There are two stop lights in my town...two. Unless theres a funeral, you don't ever have to worry about hitting traffic.
3. You run into someone you went to high school with every time you go to the grocery store.
It's never just as simple as running in to grab milk. It's seeing three people you graduated with and a teacher at the high school. And you stop and talk to every single one of them.
4. You spent your Friday night in the high school parking lot.
If me and my friends were ever bored, we drove down to the high school. Nine times out of ten, a few of our friends were there just hanging out. By the end of the night, there were a dozen cars and people sitting in lawn chairs. It's just how it worked.
5. Your community is there for everyone.
The whole town experiences the loss of a loved one, weather they were related to you, or it was the town pharmacist. The entire town mourns the loss and is there if you need something.
6. There's no place like home.
The city is cool and is an awesome experience, but you know there's nothing better then looking up at the stars by a camp fire. Your small home town will always have your heart, no matter how far away you may wonder.
