Often when I tell people I come from a small town in Southern Ohio they think that this is a setback. They think that uneducated, I grew up in poverty, and that I am unintelligent. However, none of these things about me are true. I think growing up in a small rural community gave me advantages over those that grow up in a different environment and have made me into the person I am today.

A hard work ethic was instilled me at a young age.

One of the first memories I have of my childhood and hard work was when I started showing pigs in 4-H. Every night summer night starting when I was eight years old up until I was 18 and left for college, was spent working with my pigs and cows. This meant walking them in the yard for hours, feeding them, cleaning their pens out, washing them, etc. Ever since I got introduced to hard work, I haven't stopped working hard in everything I do. Whether that was working hard on the basketball court, working hard through Junior Fair Board to execute our local county fair, or working hard teaching and being a student that I am today, I always work hard.

I was always taught to get involved and give back to my community.

Growing up I was always involved in my community. In elementary it was my school choir, sports and 4-H, through middle school and high school it was Key Club, National Honor Society, Sports, and Junior Fair Board just to name a few. Being in these clubs made me realize how important it is to give back in whatever community I'm in and made me realize that not everyone around me is as fortunate as I am. In college, I am involved in many clubs and organizations that give back to a much larger community than I grew up in, but if it weren't for my hometown, I wouldn't have been taught this very important life lesson.

It taught me to always encourage and support the people around me.

Coming from a small town did have its share of competitive sporting events and competitive livestock shows, but we always had one another's back as a community. Whether it was raising money for a scholarship or memorial fund, coming together for a local festival, or just being a shoulder to lean on during troubled times my small community is always there for one another. As I moved to a bigger city for college these traits came along with me. I like to think that I am a person that anyone can come to when they need help with something or just for advice.

I absolutely loved growing up in a small community even though it had its moments. Living in a much bigger city now than I grew up has made me realize that I want to raise my kids in a small community like I grew up in. A small community teaches you more about yourself and life than you could ever imagine, and I am so grateful I grew up in one.