I’m a small town girl from west Texas and a junior in college. My hometown feels smaller than it actually is sometimes, but we do have three private universities located here. I chose not to leave and attend college at Hardin-Simmons and let me tell you, it's okay not to leave and it's okay to like it. Here are five reasons why:

1.Home-cooked meals are readily available

My momma and daddy might be some of the best cooks around and are always making up my favorite meals bringing me home for a while. It has also been a plus to watch my mom and learn how to make some of my favorite dishes to start making for my friends. Food is what often brings us together as a family and I am forever thankful that I have been able to continue to share these moments with both of my parents.

2. Quality family time is rarely missed

It is so nice being able to have weekly dinners, Mother-Daughter pedicure dates, lunches with grandma and grandpa, and camping trips with dad. I know getting away and leaving your hometown is a priority for many of my peers, but I have my whole life ahead of me. I love, love, love these precious memories I’m making with my parents and grandparents right now and will not regret being in my hometown for four more years.

3. Being the go-to person when it comes to places to go and eat

Although Abilene might not be the biggest town nor does it have the best on selection for just about anything, we do have some hidden gems that have been so fun sharing with my sweet friends from out of town. Abilene’s slogan may be ‘Keep Abilene Boring” but with the right people and knowing the right places to go Abilene really is a great place to be.

4. Not everyone is ready to leave the nest, and that’s okay

I am very much a momma’s girl and am close to my grandma as well, being an only child I knew that for me I didn’t need to leave and honestly I wasn’t ready. The best thing is, I’ve been able to grow so much as a person these past two years in college and I’ve accepted the fact that you don’t have to leave where you are from to become the person you are going to be, and for that I am forever thankful.

5. Wherever you are, be happy

No matter where you end up or if you leave your hometown for college or stay right where you are, just be happy. Lately, so many stories and articles have surfaced about where and what you should or should not go or do, but we are all made different and unique for a reason. The best advice I can give is to find what makes you happy and do it. I found my happiness in my hometown.