Ever since I was about 14 years old, I could not wait to move out of the Lehigh Valley. I felt this way because I couldn't stand most of the people anymore and I thought it was so boring here. Every time I told someone this, the response (most of the time) was that I would change my mind one day and I would most likely end up staying here. And here I am about seven years later still here in the Lehigh Valley and I am glad that I did not leave.

As I got older, I realized this is where I belonged and this was my home because this is where my family is. Also, once I got past the phase of "I hate everything and everyone," I loved where I was. I also realized there would be pretentious people just about everywhere I would end up in this world because that's just how it goes. I did, however, learn how to put up with those people and vent to my mother about it.

Looking back on all of the people that told me I would end up staying here and that I would change my mind, I wish I would have listened to them because it was very true. The reason I am saying this is because I feel that I would have enjoyed more years and taken in more moments and embraced them fully. The only thing that I can do now is move on and not dwell on the past so I can enjoy the life that I am building now.

However, living in the Valley for the past 21 years has not been all that bad. In fact, I have learned many lessons, made some amazing life-long friends, and met amazing people. I know that if I would have moved away like I said I would, I would not have made the amazing friendships that I have made because I wouldn't have gone to the college that I am attending. In addition to this, I also wouldn't have gone through my technical school because I wouldn't have wanted to do a career that would have planted me in the Lehigh Valley.

So, this is for every person out there that is always saying that they can't wait to leave the Valley, or wherever you are from. One day you may, in fact, grow up and realize that this is where you belong because it is your home. You can still be very accomplished in life even if you stay here. You don't have to move thousands of miles away just to become "someone".