Wherever you go, you’re usually asked the question “Where are you originally from?” and if you’re like me, you are super proud to say where you’re from. A small town in Northern Minnesota that provided me with life lessons that got me to where I am today.
The life lessons I was able to learn in the small town Grand Marais I have and always will carry with me. I wanted to share the life lessons that I was taught right here.
Don’t do anything you don’t want your parents to find out about.
Thinking about trying to keep that failed test a secret? Fat chance. Your teacher is friends with at least one of your parents and knew about your grade before you did. Word travels quickly in Grand Marais, let me tell ya. I got pulled over once on my way home, honestly less than four minutes from my driveway and, of course, Mrs. Lisa Wahlers was already waiting for me when I got home. “Why did you get pulled over?” Really? how did you find out so quickly, but I don’t even know why I asked her that because I knew that answer: Small Town USA.
Appreciate quality over quantity.
I’d take having 50 kids in my graduating class, one stoplight, no malls/targets/movie theaters/bowling alleys/McDonald’s for hours, and Lake Superior over four stoplights in a half mile, 800 kids in my class, or six fast-food joints, and two Targets within walking distance from your house. It’s not about how much you have; it’s about how you appreciate the simpler things in your life.
Community is family.
When I say this, I literally mean it, because everyone is related to everyone. But still, when a high-school sports team wins a big section game, the whole town won a section game. If someone is being recognized for something, everyone will either be there for you to honor your achievements, because you have a whole town that's proud of you. One time I was out of the country and FaceTimed my friend and what do you know -- he was at my house. I ended up getting to FaceTime my dad and my dog, because everyone is friends with everyone, so my parents are friends with my friends. You’re also never alone because you have a town that has your back through thick and thin. Which leads me to this:
You can always turn to home.
Moving to a big city by myself can be pretty stressful. Whether I'm super stressed about an assignment or an internship interview, I know that I can always turn to home. When I feel like I am at my absolute worst, I know that I can go home and everything in my world will be alright again. Just the feeling of coming home after so long and passing the county line brings a huge feeling of relief over me. I literally feel everything being lifted off my shoulders because for now, I am home.
