“Living in a small town can be the worst thing in the world, or the best”, my mother said to me as I fought back tears in my living room floor. My time in Mebane is winding down as I started my senior year today, but does it have to?

As I rode in the passenger seat of my friend’s car this morning in our “Last First Day of School” parade I felt a flood of emotions pass over me. The memory, the traditions, and the familiarity of it all sends chills through my entire body and also comforts me as I fill out these dreaded college applications. This sweet little town has built me to be the woman I have always dreamt of becoming, and hopefully will do the same to everyone who passes through our “sleeper city."

I recall thanking my parents the other night by saying “thank you for choosing Mebane to be the town to raise me in”, however, as I think about my statement, I can honestly say that Mebane chose us. As many of my friends can relate, growing up in a small town isn’t always ideal. Everyone knows everyone, they also know exactly who you went on a date with last weekend, the poor decisions you made, they know what you did before you even thought about doing it. But that’s the hidden beauty behind it all, sure, it is so annoying being watched and put on a pedestal for the whole town to see, but those same people watching you are cheering for you with your every accomplishment.

This town has had my back for the past fourteen years and will continue to as I grow and progress in life. I know with my whole heart that no matter where my future leads me to, I will always find a home and endless love in Mebane.

As the nostalgia sets in, I have one final year to enjoy my hometown as a high school student. I can either do two things: I can wish these next 365 days away by anxiously awaiting college and the change of scenery that will come with it, or I can embrace this place for exactly what it is.

So, I have decided. I have decided to do every single thing to make this year memorable. I will push myself to leave my comfort zone, gain advice from those wiser than me, and ultimately spread my light and every ounce of my energy to making others share the same love for this town as I do.

Mebane forever baby.