Coming home after my first year away at college, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I thought that my old life would be waiting for me right where I left it. But what I failed to realize is that just because I left, people didn’t put their lives on hold. Everyone kept experiencing new things, they grew, they met new people, and they found themselves, just like I had.

My first few weeks back were exciting and familiar. But after my “newness” had worn off, people went back to their lives, and I was stuck in a world that I simply was not a permanent part of anymore. I quickly realized that I needed to find my niche again, or it was going to be a very long summer.

Over the winter I had stumbled upon a little boutique in my town that had opened during my absence. I walked in and immediately fell in love. I don’t believe in "people" love at first sight, but I do believe in "clothes" love. The entire atmosphere of the store seemed to draw me in, and I was hooked. Upon my epiphany that this small town, I once felt so concrete in didn’t necessarily have a place for me anymore, I somehow made my way back to this boutique.

This time when I walked into Aunie Gail’s Boutique I had a different mission. I was not leaving the store without a job. I marched up to the owner and told her that she needed to hire me. To this day, I am still not sure where that fierce attitude came from, but an act of desperation took over me. I belonged in that store. That was going to be my saving grace this summer.

My first day was a whirlwind, but in the most satisfying way possible. Not only was I able to grasp it, but I enjoyed myself. My boss had allowed me to express myself, and gave me free reign in the store. I did not feel like an employee, I felt like an equal.

Over the next couple weeks, I grew to look at the store as my safe haven. I looked forward to our customers who have always been excited to see me, and keep up to date on my life. I have also found a friend and mentor in my boss. She not only provided a comfortable work place, but also a comforting presence. She put up with more from me than any boss should have to, and for that I am grateful. She was, my knight in shining armor, or rather in shining cowgirl boots. Not only do I adore you, but so do our customers.

So as my last week of the summer begins, I want to say thank you. Thank you for treating me like family. For letting me be myself, which includes letting me be an emotional mess 90% of the time. You have helped to restore my faith and confidence in myself, something I thought I had lost. Leaving this store to go back to school will be so much more difficult than I ever imagined. So finally, thank you Aunie Gail’s and all that you hold. You saved me.