When I grew up I lived in a small town in Virginia. Well, we are more referred to as the Village of Matoaca. One main store in the whole area. One elementary school. One High school. Pretty much one of everything. Growing up and staying in a small town has taught me many many things. Here are six things I have learned over the years by being from a small town.

1. Everyone knows everyone

It doesn't matter who you are everybody knows somebody that everyone else knows. Wither it be your mom, brother, cousin or grandma someone knows your family. This is the main reason why nobody really causes trouble because word travels fast in a small town. You never know who knows who.

2. Everyone tries to help everyone

In my small town when someone needed help everyone tried to help as much as they could. Wither it be help with moving or help cleaning up after a huge storm, we all tried to help out. I know one thing the community has done to help each other is the local "Boaz Box". The Boaz Box is a box of food that my church came up with to help hungry people in the community. Anyone can put food in it and anyone can take food from is. Helping others is something I learned being from a small town.

3. How to work hard

Though there are always those few kids who get everything handed to them, where I am from most people have to work hard for what they have. You never really heard of anyone not having a job. When someone is out of a job, others try to help them quickly find a new one. People also work hard on their yards and farming as well.

4. Family First

One big thing everyone know is a small town is family is always first. In my family I have 3 siblings, tons of aunts and uncles, and lots of cousins. Nobody really messes with anyone because family always has your back. I know I love my family to death and they will always come first in my life.

5. Friday Night Football

In a small town Friday night football is always a fun thing. Almost no one misses the local high school football teams home games. Faces painted and the crowds cheering, its all nothing but excitement!

6. You never really leave

Yeah, sure you can move away. However, you never can actually leave behind your small town. You always have the memories and the finds. You have your family back home. You heart will always remain there.

Small towns are really gems in America. They make us who we are and give us all our own special characteristics. Small towns also bring people closer together and make it where the love can be felt. Small towns are simply amazing!