I still remember the overwhelming exhilaration I felt on my first day of university. I was part of the group of individuals who came from a small town, entering a huge, new, and diverse world. Growing up, if I wanted to step outside the bounds of my quaint town of 650 people, I needed to drive for an hour and have a full day planned ahead. Now, there are no more inconvenient drives as everything is within a 5 minute reach. My class sizes are the same size as my entire high school and I have been exposed to an uncountable number of opportunities. University has been an adjustment; but an adjustment in the best way possible. To that end, here are my seven reasons why coming from a small town enriches the university experience:
1. The Culture Shock
Living in a small town, we tend to be limited in our exposure to of a variety of backgrounds. University has opened up the door to cultural diversity. Although we are used to things that are faintly familiar, by embracing differences we have the opportunity to learn and explore incredible opportunities.
2. There are Starbucks EVERYWHERE
Rather than buckling up for an hour drive (wasting probably $20 on gas) to the nearest Starbucks to purchase a yummy Vanilla Bean Frap, you can now put on your shoes, walk for 5 minutes and satisfy your cravings! You also have plenty of opportunities to get that flawless instagram pic with your name actually spelled right!
3. Finding Your Social Niche
In small towns, we tend to know the same people our entire lives. University gives us the chance to expand our circle of friends. We tend to find more people who are just like us, enhancing our confidence to express who we truly are as a person. These are the people that become our friends for the rest of our lives.
4. The City-like Nightlife
We all know the saying “the city that never sleeps”. Well, university is similar in that aspect as students are constantly celebrating. Whether it be Homecoming, a birthday, or that 52 you got on your economics midterm, students always find a reason to come together and party. Small town parties are nothing in comparison to the liveliness and togetherness felt at university parties.
5. Academic Opportunities
I remember the incessant dry courses that high school offered. Unfortunately, the small school size restricted us to only taking mandatory courses, which most of us had little to no interest in. However, university allows you to delve into courses that will spark your interests and ultimately fit your personality. You can actually learn what you like!
6. Extracurricular Activities
Small town high schools typically offer the classic clubs like student council and football. Although these are excellent opportunities to get involved, many students do not find their fit within these clubs. At university, there a multitude of opportunities for EVERYONE to find their fit. And if there isn’t a club you’re interested in, start one! The best part about university clubs is that you learn a lot from the members and yourself. These opportunities allow you to find your passions, initiating personal growth.
7. Appreciate Coming Home More
I remember coming home for the first time in 6 weeks for Thanksgiving. I began to really appreciate the tranquility that surrounded my hometown of Westport, Ontario. The town I once saw as dull and unexciting is now the town I see as picturesque and beautiful. I love the opportunities university has presented to me, but the appreciation I have for my hometown has grown on me. I remember saying I wanted to get as far away as possible; now, it wouldn’t surprise me if I came back to the town that allowed me to become who I am now. University allows us to grow, but small towns are the source of our success.