I come from a small town in the middle of nowhere in Iowa. The population of Hampton, Iowa is a little under 4,500 people and my graduating class was 87. Hampton currently has one working stoplight out of two, there is a one-room movie theater, many locally owned restaurants and shops, and more. To someone who has never lived in a small town before, this all may sound unappealing. I spent the majority of my life living in Hampton and have come to appreciate the little things a small town has to offer.

1. You know everyone.

I know many people would disagree that knowing everyone would be a good thing. You are on a first name basis with almost everyone, your waitress at your favorite place for lunch knows exactly what you like, and someone will always be there for you. It is nice to see a familiar face everyday! The way I see it, knowing everyone also allows you to get closer to the community and stay informed of what is going on around town. When something good happens, people celebrate together and support one another. Also, people actually spend quality time together. Whether it is at a family get together, a quick bite for lunch, or if there is happening on main street people are always together. There is something valuable to knowing everyone.

2. The whole town supports the school.

One of my favorite things about being from a small town is that the town is just as dedicated and passionate about the sports teams and fine arts as the students are. I was involved in both sports and fine arts in high school and some of my favorite memories come from participating in them. A Friday night game is something people look forward to all week long. The next choir concert you know will be better than the last. The crowds keep getting bigger and stronger and the cheers and applause grow louder. These aren’t just events, they are a way of life in a small town!

3. You get to have close relationships with teachers

When coming to college I wanted that close student-teacher relationship because I grew up having those kinds of relationships with my teachers in high school. Many teachers were parents to friends so I knew them even before going into high school. I believe those relationships makes school more enjoyable because when you like the person standing at the front of the room, it creates a positive learning experience for yourself.

4. The sky is beautiful in the middle of nowhere!

Whether the sun is rising, setting, or gone completely, the sky is magnificent! You are able to see for miles and when the sun hits the horizon just right it is breathtaking. When the sun is down and you look up into the night sky, it is dancing with twinkling lights. Something like this makes your appreciate the little things in life! Unlike back home, I am only able to see a small handful of stars in the city. I remember during my freshman year of college telling people that one of the top things I miss about being home were the stars.

5. The county fair is the best time of the year.

Maybe I’m just a sucker for the fried foods and the rides, but I love the fair!! I always have. Our county fair is one of the best fairs in the state of Iowa, (a true statement with a little bit of a biased opinion behind it). The fair parade kick starts the whole week, which means free candy! We have great grandstand acts and shows come every year, all the homemade food is delicious, the animals, the fair projects, the wood carver, everything! I just love fairs and I believe ours is great!

This is just a small glimpse of what I grew up with. I can't even begin to describe my friendships, the laughs, the crazy shenanigans, and more while growing up. I can’t imagine my childhood anywhere else. Hampton as had an impact on my life and I hope I have left behind a little bit of myself too.