The assumption of many is that small town, means small mind. Though that may be true sometimes, it most often is not. There are downfalls and disadvantages to growing up in a small town and going to a small school, but the good outweighs the bad...for the most part.
1. You know everyone and everyone knows you.
Whether you like it or not, you walk down the hallway and everyone you see knows your first, middle, and last name...and you know theirs.
2. People find out about everything that you even think about doing.
In a small school people know your next move before you do, and the parents talk more than the kids.
3. Pick your friend group wisely, once you join a "circle" it's hard to get out.
Make sure you're surrounding yourself with people that you genuinely enjoy being around and agree with, (for the most part). Don't be friends with people that only let you wear your hair in a ponytail once a week.
4. Your reputation is basically permanent.
Words and rumors spread like wildfire in a small school, and even after the fire is extinguished people still see the marks it left and slap a label on you. Once that label is on it sure is hard to rip off.
5. You're expected/get to be involved in every extra-curricular activity.
Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Cheer, Scholars Bowl, Mentoring, the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong, being involved and being able to do all the things you love is great, but your schedule will fill up quickly.
6. You are a role model.
My school is preschool through seniors, and every single grade looks up to the "cool" kids in high school. They hang all over you and think that you're the greatest thing ever. Sometimes they talk you up so much that you actually think you are.
7. Your teachers teach you more about life than school.
With such a small student to teacher ratio, teachers pay a lot of attention to you and what you have going on in life. They pick up on what you need and act as a mentor by guiding you through the little, and the not so little events of life.
8. Your classmates become your siblings.
After being around the same 30 people for your whole academic life you pick up on every persons habits and quirks, and you learn to accept them. Even if some of your classmates aren't your favorite, you know them all so well and love all of them no matter what. After all, you're all in this together.
9. Your teachers are your second parents; they'll cry at graduation too.
Since the school is preschool through high school, your teachers have watched you grow up from a sweet, innocent 4 year old, to whatever kind of monstrous 17 year old you are now. They've guided you, scolded you, admired you, and when graduation day comes, they'll miss you.
10. Small town talk turns into big time drama between you and your friends.
The words of others interfere with your friendships at times, but the friendships that survive will strive on for years. Keep your true friends close to your heart, they're hard to come by.
11. You may hate the small feel of this town now, but you'll miss it later.
You can leave a town, but the town will never leave you. No matter how suffocating your small town and school may be, they will always take you in when you need them. This town is your roots and you get what you make of it.
