For me, growing up in a small town meant only having a few distant neighbors, living on a dirt road (which they eventually paved), living in a house my ancestors built, not having very good cell service, having people from town stop by unannounced all the time, and knowing how to cherish and appreciate everything in life, especially the little things.

Being a part of a small town has taught me so many valuable life lessons:

1. I appreciate the little things in life the most

I learned that our town might not have as much as other towns but, we are still able to function and be a strong community. We may not have commercial businesses but we have some of the most important things that make up a community, we have togetherness, helpfulness, and unity.

2. I learned how to be self-sufficient

My town didn't have any stores, gas stations, or restaurants. We had to go to the next town over to get all of those things. From that, I learned how to be more independent and to not rely on having things be convenient.

3. I know pretty much everyone

This definitely can have its downfalls but it also has many benefits. By knowing everyone, you make many connections with other members of your community that wouldn't be possible with a bigger town.

4. My ancestors built my house

This makes my house very historical and important to me. Unlike many other people my age, I've never lived anywhere else. I've always lived in the same house. It has so many aspects of my family that I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. I value where I live so much more knowing that some of my ancestors whom I never met have all had something to do with the making of my house. They have all contributed something to make my house the way it is today which I think is very special.

5. The close-knit community

When anything happened, the whole town came together to help each other out. I know this from experience because when my grandparents passed away, both times the community as a whole showed their support and condolences to my family. We might not talk to each other on a regular basis but whenever something happens, you know that you have a whole community to lean on.

7. I learned how to help others and not expect anything in return

My town doesn't have a police department but we do have a volunteer fire department. This means that all of the volunteer firefighters risk their lives to protect our little town without getting paid. Seeing others do this for my community has inspired me to give back and pay it forward as much as possible.