Like most people I grew up with in my K-12 career, I complained about my rinky dink small town and tiny school. I knew when I graduated I was going to move away and make my life something different.
I did just that and you know what I realized? I love my small town and there wasn’t a better place for me to grow up. It shaped me into the person that’s proud, respectful, and well rounded.
You knew everyone and they knew you. I see the beauty in that now. I did not realize how comforting it was to know people. It is scary when you move to the city and don’t know anyone after spending your life where o one is a stranger.
My small town taught me manners. Let’s be real, I went to a small southern high school, you acted the fool and your entire family knew before you got home. My teachers knew my family or were actual relatives. We went to church together or lived in the same neighborhood.
I could probably give you the backstory to just about everyone I went to high school with in some simplified version. There was the downside of the constant flow of gossip and judgment, but that is in no way limited to small communities. It’s just easier to spread when there is less people and they all talk to one another.
My teachers cared about me. I mean really cared. They knew me and some of the struggles I was going through. They also knew my accomplishments and cheered me on even when I didn’t think I could. I felt loved when I walked through those hallways and that’s something special.
I was also a part of a wide variety of clubs and teams. Small town life means doing a little bit of everything, There is always a need for new members and being a part of several activities at once wasn’t odd at all. I was a part of the school newspaper (a labor of early morning love), a media center aid, student council member, a proud 4-Her, and a member of other clubs/volunteer where needed. I think I touched every inch of my high school that wasn’t the music or athletic department. I was an avid supporter of both, because school spirit was a must. Football friday nights are a lifestyle.
I’m proud to say that I knew everyone that walked across the stage with me in some capacity. I’m proud I had classes with the same thirty kids every day of my school career. I am proud that my teachers cared and went above and beyond for every student they could. I am proud my teachers taught me not only the required standards, but about life and how to handle it. I am so proud of all my classmates who are chasing their dreams; whatever that may be. We may not have been able to stay in touch like we said we would, but that doesn’t mean I’m not cheering you guys on from the sidelines.
I’m glad I moved away so I could realize how much home meant to me. How much those late night dirt road adventures would mean now. We only went because there wasn’t anything else to do. Those talks about life with the windows down made all the difference. The countless hours just circling Walmart, because what else was there to do? It is also guaranteed that will you will run into someone you know. I love college and all the opportunities that GCSU has given me. I love that I can still have some small town moments here. It has become another home with a very large extended family.
I have no idea if I will ever go back to my small town to stay, I’m going wherever the wind blows me. I do know that if the wind blows me back that I will always be welcome and it will always home.