I grew up in a town that people frequently classify as "boring." I admit that it does get boring going to half price apps every weekend, and it might seem repetitive to spend every weekend hanging in the same friend's basement for hours. However, even though some might not be able to picture themselves living in this type of environment, I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else.

My town is 50 square miles and has 45,000 people living in it, so it’s not technically classified as small. However, when I tell people where I’m from, they normally shake their heads in confusion.

I graduated with a little over 600 people in my class. Even though this might seem like a large number, I knew pretty much everyone who was graduating beside me. Even though I might have not been friends with everyone in my class, everyone is always so friendly and says hello when we come home from college.

Even though my town might come off as quiet and boring, the quietness can be quite beautiful. I cherish all the times I drive through my town and pass Duke estates or the Sourlands. I go to college in a more city-based environment, so I sometimes take for granted the rural beauty of my town.

My town also gave me all of my experiences. Whether it’s my favorite restaurant or hang out spot, no other town could have given me these places of my childhood and teenage years that bring me such nostalgia when I visit. The memories I’ve made in this town are absolutely irreplaceable. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for my town.

Most of my memories thus far have taken place here. Through the good and the bad, I grew up here. If your experience was similar to mine, you grew up with the kids that lived down the street from you. You guys probably went sledding together and sat next to each other on the bus to school. These people made my childhood truly great and are one of the multiple reasons I’m grateful for my town.

I really disliked a large portion of my time spent at high school. I was so eager to graduate and get out of this boring town. However, the only thing I truly loved about high school was my friends. On graduation day, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic realizing I was leaving the place where I created all my memories. My town is always going to hold a special place in my heart.

So even though my town might be the most boring town in the world, I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else. It’s not about any of the places and stores my town has that made it so great; it was the people and the memories I met and made along the way. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited when I left for school in the fall. I couldn’t wait to get away. However, I couldn’t wait to get back for summer. Even though I tell everyone I know how boring my town is, I take pride in its boringness. This was where I created my best memories and made my best friends.

I couldn’t imagine growing up anywhere else.