Living in a small town was all I’d ever known until coming to university. After I was born I lived in a town just outside of a city, but the town we currently live in has always been home to my family. My parents had a lot of connections to it, and instead of driving back and forth every weekend, my parents thought it was better to move there.
Now, my town is small. It is considered a village with around a population of 1,000 people. There is one grocery store, bank, gas station and a few other amenities, but for the most part, it’s just houses. Before 2012, the town was busy and vibrant, but it went south when our public school closed. Although there aren’t many businesses left, I have a huge appreciation for the place that has always been my home. Let me explain why that is.
Growing up and even to this day, I knew almost everyone in my town. I can walk down the street and run into at least five people I know. Usually, this ends in conversations, so a two-minute trip uptown takes 20 minutes. Although, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love talking to everyone and catching up with people after being away at school.
When I was 12, I started volunteering within my community. The town has many organizations that anyone can volunteer at, and I took that opportunity at a young age. I didn’t just volunteer to graduate high school, as most individuals do. I had a passion for helping others, and I still do. My favourite activity would have to be my experience being my town’s Fall Fair Ambassador. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my volunteer experience, and I’m thankful for the people who encouraged me to volunteer and taught me things during the process.
Now, this will sound weird, but my favourite thing to do in town is walking around. We don’t have much in the way of entertainment there. We don’t have a mall or movie theatre, so we are either walking or driving around most of the time. I had to create my own fun as a kid, and I still think that I have a strong imagination because of it. This past summer, my brother, my neighbour and I started going on walks throughout the day because we were curious about what was happening around town. When you stop and think about it, most small towns have a unique history and this year we discovered that history.
Most importantly, living in a small town defined who I am today. I love the small-town atmosphere and everything that it has to offer. Without the experience I had, I might not have enjoyed it as much as I did. I am thankful for everyone in my town who has impacted my life and I wouldn’t change a thing.