The Little Things;

 

As previously stated, when most people hear that I am from New York, they automatically think of New York City and Manhattan. Often times, I wish I could say that’s where I’m from; that I got to grow up in the greatest city in the world. For a long while I resented growing up in a small town. There was nothing ever to do, nowhere ever to go. My entire village is almost a mile long. That mile gets old going back and forth for a whole 18 years. The main reason I think I resented it was because I was fortunate enough to travel and see real cities. All the commotion and hurried busy-ness would be overwhelming for many from rural areas, even suburban areas. But not me. I found peace and tranquility in the ability to walk down the road and have everything you could possibly need on one street. You could walk for hours and never cross the same street twice. I was baffled at the amount of people and culture you found everywhere, the languages, neighborhoods, complete societal changes by walking a few blocks. 

However, now that I am older and reaching the age where college is just around the corner, my views seem to be changing.  I still am fascinated by cities and large urban areas, but I find a comfort in my small town I overlooked before. 

When I was growing up, especially during the summer, we would always go to the town playground and hang out and play around. We played with whatever kids were there at the time and made new friends every day. We would return home for lunch and an ice pop when the weather got too hot. Other than that, our lives were simple; Wake up, eat breakfast, play, eat lunch, play, eat dinner, play, go home and repeat the next day. With our village being so small, everyone knows everyone and everybody’s business. When we go into the pizza place to pick up a slice, the owners know us by name, and always reference how big we’ve gotten. (even though we haven’t really changed much in years) We go to the Great American to pick up an errand and the clerk already knows what we need. It always seemed so simple. It was nice that everyone knew you and was looking out for you. No one ever feared for their child’s safety, because someone somewhere was keeping an eye on them. 

People who are born and raised in cities often only see small towns as the backwoods dirt roads of America. They think we’re all rugged rednecks who own and live on farms. Farming is a large part of culture up here, but so are small businesses. People thrive on the ideas of entrepreneurship and owning their own, unique business. Every corner you turn is someone else, selling something different, and trying to make it work. Seeing and investing in these businesses daily, is what small town living is all about; helping your neighbor. Not only do you know your neighbor (and their whole families it seems like) but you get to know everyone in your community and ensure the safety of you and your family, as well as everyone and theirs. “Neighborsin small towns also tend to be much more supportive of each other and arewilling to help out in hard times.”, was stated by a review on small town living versus city life.

As I’ve grown older, I have learned to appreciate living and growing up where I do much more. Anytime I need something I can walk over and ask my neighbor. If someone needs me to pick up their kids and watch them shortly after school, I’m glad to do it. Living in a small town is a cycle of respect. If you help out and do your share for the community, you are guaranteed to be helped in your time of need. Everyone is there for each other. Everyone shops local and supports each other in their dreams. And still no one’s views and beliefs are lost. Everyone is still different, and yet underneath thankful for being the same.