My dad and stepmom just started up a small local cafe in my hometown last year, and since then, it's opened my eyes to a lot of things in my community, and also the surroundings. Recently, a deputy, from the county of where I go to school was shot and killed on duty, and this also was very eye-opening about this community. I once was an instrumentalist for my local civic theatre, and that also was so heart-warming.

Shopping local is actually a big deal when it comes to small towns like the one I live in. There’s a pretty good portion of our restaurants and recreational activities that are locally owned. Like, my parents restaurant, my old dance studio, a photographer who I’ve known since I was three, many tattoo parlors, and even a soap shop (who doesn’t need soap?!) A town just 15 minutes away, even has a local screen repair shop (which is probably cheaper than Apple, but just as trustworthy). So I urge you, when you have these opportunities, and I’m sure you do, please take advantage of it. 54% of U.S. sales are made just from small business sales!

This March, Deputy Carl Koontz was shot and killed on the job trying to arrest someone for the possession of a syringe. Given this was before the outbreak of officers and deputies being shot, this was scary news to me. How could someone in the small city of Russiaville be shot and killed just for trying to do his job? Being that he was a graduate from the school I currently attend, this was big news around campus. Everyone was updated from minute to minute for the first week or so, and my math class even ended early to watch the hearse drive by campus. Blue ribbons were all over the county and the town of Kokomo even seemed sad itself that day, but the entire county was offering their shoulder to cry on as we were all experiencing this together.

On a lighter note, last year I was honored to play a key role in my local civic theatre, an instrumentalist. Given we don’t have any fancy sound systems, or even a projector, a lot of the sounds in our shows are from tracks or from instruments on the side. Being a part of this production was so awesome. It was definitely filled with long nights, and rehearsal at least 3 days a week, but it was also so much fun. Everyone at the theatre is a family, especially when you live in such a small town like me. Playing an instrument in a production is much different than playing it in band class, or just for fun. It’s so different because one minute the director could tell you to play a “C” then the next, he could change his mind and tell you to play “E” instead. A lot of notes were taken and a lot papers were rearranged, but it was still an awesome experience.

Long story short, get involved. Whatever it is, get passionate and get going! The community is more than happy to have your help or service, and I bet you’ll feel better too. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve noticed that most local shops are located downtown. Somewhere, you might be able to find a website or Facebook page filled with local events going on. Check these out, and be a productive part of society.