Growing up in a small town has its pros and cons. I grew up in a small town in Upstate New York called Norfolk-- and when I say Upstate New York, I mean way up. It’s funny; whenever I travel places with my family, whether it be on vacation or on one of my brother’s hockey trips, and we’re asked where we’re from, I say, “New York.” And of course, they respond with, “Oh, what part of the city?” So I always laugh and say, “No, Upstate New York, way north.” Then my answer is always followed by confused looks and “I’ve never heard of it before” comments.

It’s basically Canada.

Since we only live about 30 minutes from the Canadian border, trips to Canada for dinner or the movies give us something to do. It’s crazy to think that in a short time we can be in another country. Hopefully, that gives you an idea of how north I actually live-- if not, get a map.

My graduating class consisted of 59 students.

I went to Norwood-Norfolk High School and I graduated with 59 students in 2014. I went to the same school my whole life, except when I was in kindergarten. Our school was K-12-- instead of having separate schools around the town, we only had one big school with all the grades combined. By the time I had graduated, I pretty much knew all the faculty and staff and most of the students from grades 9-12. Everyone knew everyone. Sports were always fun growing up because we never had to have cuts; everyone had a chance to play. Sometimes we didn't even have enough subs for our teams.

Was that a horse and buggy?

Yes, we have farms here with cows and horses and the whole nine. And yes, we have Amish people. I’ve seen horses and buggies for as long as I can remember. They aren't uncommon here and they sell great vegetables, too. Try them sometime! Not everyone is used to seeing them, especially if you’re from New York...the city that is. A family member of mine was visiting from California and outside my window a horse and buggy went by. She thought it was the craziest thing ever but, for me, it’s just a normal sighting.

Pack your bags, because going shopping is a trip in itself.

We don’t have many places to shop around here. Whether it be school clothes shopping, or Christmas shopping or even buying a wedding dress, you’ll probably have to travel two or three hours just to get what you want. Syracuse, New York is usually our go to. It’s just sad that in order to go to a decent mall or clothing stores. traveling for hours is in order.

I’m not sheltered; I’m just not exposed to as much as others may be.

This isn’t a bad thing because when I do eventually travel places or move away, seeing anything like a colored bagel in the city or maybe the Golden Gate Bridge in California will shock me and I’ll be happy that I wasn't surrounded by all the big things and hustle and bustle my whole life. It makes for a better adventure, and I know I'll be more appreciative of those things.

The seasons are pretty amazing, even though sometimes it's hard to tell which season it is with our crazy weather here.

Spring can be yucky and rainy, but that's what your rain boots and rain coats are for! Our summers are filled with trips to the beach and days by the pool eating Popsicles. Fall is my favorite. The leaves are so beautiful; the exuberant colors will fill your view for a couple months. Winter isn’t always a great time, but nothing beats getting your Christmas Tree in your snow gear. And don’t forget about hockey! Winter can get bitter cold, but waking up on a sunny day in the winter and seeing the sunlight hit the snow can be breathtaking.

Growing up in a small town has been both good and bad. There are a lot of pros and cons to living in Upstate New York, and a small town at that. There are days when you feel bored out of your mind and there's nothing more to do other than your regular routine. Going long distances to see things or even to go shopping can be annoying, but hey, at least it's something for us to get excited about. And the seasons really are something you have to experience and see in Upstate New York. Yes, I’m from a small town, and even though one day I can’t wait to get out of here and experience the world a little more, I’m sure I'll be thankful that I grew up where I did. So maybe the slogan of Upstate New York can be “Upstate New York: A Place You Should At Least Try Out.”