I feel like I knew in elementary school that I didn’t want to stay in little ole’ Manchester, TN for long. I never wished to buy a nice house on the end of the street. I never imagined myself having a career in the city limits, or raising my children in the same school system where I attended. During my senior year of high school, I felt like the walls were caving in on me - and I couldn’t wait to bust out. I moved to Nashville, TN and couldn’t be happier with that decision. Now that I’m a sophomore in college, currently back home for the holidays, I’ve realized the ultimate reasons why I moved away from my small hometown.

1. There’s nothing here for me anymore.

Sure, I have my family and friends that are still here, but I just have this gut intuition that I don’t belong here anymore. Almost like I’ve “out-grown” my home, if you will. I feel that I’ve done what any other Coffee County native has done, but I don’t want to continue to be held back by the fact that no one seems to leave this place.

2. I’ve moved on from the petty drama.

The Lord only knows how much I could roll my eyes at this one. To state this simply, I’m tired of the immaturity, lack of self-respect and awareness, and the sly, cunning ulterior motives of the individuals that I have met and grown up with from my hometown. There’s simply no time for that once you’ve grown up.

3. My career plan doesn’t align with my hometown’s infrastructure.

I aspire to be a pediatric oncology surgeon, but hey – there’s not an established hospital with that kind of unit, equipment, or task force in Manchester. It’s not anyone’s fault per say, but opportunity awaits outside of the county lines.

4. I want to grow as an individual.

I want to be a better version of myself every day. I want to be challenged and motivated to accomplish short and long-term goals and tasks. I want to be relied on by other people. I want to strive and become a leader in my community. I want to have my own voice, and help others by having a platform. I am unable to achieve this in my hometown due to insecure and unfair judgment.

5. The people and places never change.

Whenever I visit my hometown, it’s a town lost in time – nothing ever changes. Same schools, same teachers, same restaurants; more importantly, the same people hanging out in the Food Lion and Save-A-Lot parking lots. It’s the same parents yelling at pop warner and Dusty Elam sporting events because they think their 6-year-old child is in the NFL and NBA. It’s the same Coffee Pot shenanigans for Tullahoma hate week. It’s the same senior pictures taken on train tracks or on the back of an old rusty truck. It’s the same old country songs being played while riding back roads. It happens every year, without fail. Nothing ever changes.

6. Oppositely, the people and places do change.

Everyone has these kinds of revelations sooner or later after high school. That one girl dropped out of school, and is now working at so and so. The Holiday-Inn bought this company and now three more hotels are being built right beside each other off Exit 110. Pizza-Hut moved down the road; we’re probably going to get another fast-food chicken restaurant. The high school sweethearts break up and all of a sudden the world has ended, etc. The list could go on forever.

7. I don’t want to despise where I grew up.

As much as I strongly dislike some aspects of my hometown, I don’t absolutely hate my hometown. I respect it because it made me grow up. It made me gain knowledge and wisdom that expands beyond my years. It made me appreciate what I have, what I own, and the love I have for my family and friends. It made me want to get out and experience new things, people, and places. It made me more excited and happier whenever I do come down for a visit because of the familiarity. I know Asbury Rd. like the back of my own hand, and could probably drive it with my eyes closed. I will eat everything on the menu at J&G, unless they schedule me to work first. Friday night lights, and Tuesday and Friday basketball games will never get old. Our band will play the fight song forever and ever, and they will never learn Lollipop by Lil Wayne much to my dismay.

My Christmas break is now coming to an end. I will see you soon, Manchester (maybe). I’ll most likely not move back, ever, but thank you for the memories while I did live here. I do appreciate my time while visiting, and I do cry when I back out of my driveway back to Nashville; only because my siblings start crying, and it nearly breaks my heart. By the way mom, I can’t come down for Easter, Mother’s Day, or my birthday - I’ll be working.