Raymond, Nebraska is a small town of about 180 people. It's also where I call home.

I can't imagine growing up in any other place, even though I'm at a large university now. I was blessed to be raised outside of the city limits, and I'm so thankful for that.

Thanks for the responsibility.

I had daily chores that weren't just "sweep the kitchen" and "clean your room." I took took care of lots of animals, from goats to cattle to dogs. I helped my father landscape our yards each spring, and helped my mother clean the house. I had a job by a young age to teach me how to make my own money and be independent with my spending choices and financial decisions.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Because I was in a small town, my high school offered many activities and extra curricular events to build my resume. I enjoyed being a part of many clubs and organizations, because I have carried those interests into my college career. I also seek opportunity in my community to help improve it and watch it grow in the future.

Thanks to the wide-open spaces.

I couldn't imagine not being able to ride four wheelers in the pastures or play hide and seek in the yard when I was younger. I miss that every day that I'm in the city, because I truly miss the ability to escape from noise and people. I am thankful for the rolling hills and so much nature to take in every day in the privacy of my own backyard.

Thanks for the independence.

It was nice just telling my parents "bye" for the night and they knew I'd be safe because our community was so close and everybody was trusting. I gained that trait of being independent at a young age, so my parents had a lot of trust in me. It's one of my biggest strengths now, and I can't imagine being me without my independence and freedom.

Thanks for my family.

My parents built our house to raise a family, so I should dedicate this entire article to them. It was a blessing to grow up in the same house from birth to college because I became familiar with our community and it truly became home. I'm not sure I will be able to live anywhere else and call it my home, because a large piece of my heart belongs to my family's house.

Thanks for the memories.

Some of them were completely irresponsible and stupid, but those were usually the best ones. I had a few "close calls" growing up, but that brought me closer to my family and friends. I can't wait for the day that I can take my children or grandchildren to my home and tell them the classic "when I was a kid" stories.

I'm blessed, truly, to be raised in the way that I was. Anyone who can relate to this would agree too, guaranteed.