As August quickly rolls by, students begin to prepare for college and embark on an exciting, new journey that they have long looked forward to. Here in my hometown, recently graduated high school students are beginning to feel those “butterflies” as they prepare for a new independence. This new chapter will bring countless different learning experiences that surpass what they have been confronted with in our small community. Although the nerves intensify, the excitement they hold nearly overcomes it. Routinely, students are thrilled to leave this “boring,” “shitty” and “lame” little town that has confined them for far too long. Truthfully, they can’t wait for it to be just a memory.

I reminisce to five years ago when I felt quite similar to these students. I remember the anticipation of a “new life” in which I could depart from my hometown and start anew. In fact, I completely intended to move as far away as possible after getting an undergraduate degree. Sure, I would admit that my hometown was a “good place to grow up,” but I was blind to what my hometown truly was to me and what it will continue to be. I was stuck in my false belief that this town was like poison to me and that the people in it were destructive and infectious; however, I could never truly appreciate the beauty of my community until I went out and explored more of the world.

A few weeks ago, I returned from a trip where I adventured across Europe. The trip was incredible in every sense as I saw the magnificent landmarks I have dreamt of, ate the authentic food I have craved and engulfed myself into different cultures. This experience is what I had imagined myself doing as an independent adult and was as far away from my hometown as possible. The freedom was invigorating and refreshing, but the outcome was definitely not expected. I did not expect that in traveling the world, I would become more aware of who I was and what my hometown truly is.

When I got back from Europe, I was so excited to be able to go for a walk and wave at people I knew as they would pass by in their cars. I was excited to eat at my favorite restaurant five miles down the road, to go to the beach, to work with our band, to go to my church, to visit with my friends from Bible study and to feel a sense of homeliness that I haven’t been able to truly feel since I had left. Oh, man, did it ever feel good to be back with “my people,” “my lake,” “my band," “my town!”

When you are in this “boring” little place, it is difficult to feel a sense of hopelessness or fear because you have an entire town that is like family who would be more than willing to come to your side in the times of distress or need. This little town offers deeper, more meaningful things to me than the beauty of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre could ever offer. It is immensely comforting to know that, as a traveler, I can never feel sadness on my return flight home because I still have something great to look forward to.

As I graduate at the end of spring semester, I look forward to the endless amount of possibilities as I enter the “unknown” in my life. I may end up a few miles from home, or I may end up halfway across the world, but I sure as hell know that no matter where I am, I will always have this “lame” little town to call home.