Growing up in a small town, everyone knew each other. I loved that. I loved the sense of community within, and I enjoyed talking to everyone.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a small gas station on the corner where memories were made and friendships blossomed. My grandmother owned the business, and my mother worked there with her, along with other employees. I loved getting up and going to work with my mom and seeing my community of friends that had known me since I was born.

Growing up in a family business gave me communication skills.

Thanks to those hundreds of people I talked to every day growing up, I learned not to be awkward and enjoy talking to people.

Growing up in a family business gave me time management skills.

Working at the store, I learned to keep a planner and keep it well. Between lunch rush and quitting time, I had to budget my time well, which I still hold with me today.

Growing up in a family business gave me friends.

Sure some of those friends were a lot older than me and were friends mostly with my mother and grandmother, but they were mine too. When graduation rolled around, I had hundreds of invitations to give out because you never want anyone to feel left out.

Growing up in a family business gave me an appreciation for the small things.

Seeing someone pick up a bottle in the parking lot, paying for someone else's food, or someone jumping off someone else's car in the parking lot made me smile. It made me understand that the small things like that in life do matter.

Growing up in a family business taught me how to love more.

I learned to love customers and co-workers and develop close connections with them as well. I enjoyed talking to people and friending them on Facebook to keep up with them. I loved everyone.

Growing up in a family business taught me that nobody is perfect.

We would have slow days and busy days. Crazy customers and regulars. But you always stay positive and treat everyone equally. Which is why we are here to stay.

Growing up in a family business taught me many things, and I will always be thankful for that experience.

A small town treasure has a big time meaning to me.