I BELIEVE IN SMALL TOWNS
When I was a little girl growing up in small town Iowa, I took being loved for granted. I believe I did this because I was raised in a community where every member of the community knew each other’s business and everyone cared for each other as if we were all family.
I can remember lying in bed with a very high temperature, the flu, and strep throat a couple years ago; everyone in my town found out and I had mounds of flowers and cards sent to my house. This made me realize how much I was cared for.
I also remember when my mom would work late and my dad was in the fields during harvest season; I would stay at my neighbor’s house and I was treated as if I were one of her kids! These two examples, I think, may not happen to people in larger towns.
I also remember when I was on high school out-of-town class fieldtrips, the students from other schools would stare and make disgusted faces at us because we went to a Catholic school and lived in a “rich town.” I can see how others would get this perspective because usually nothing bad happens and there is no poverty in West Point. I think perhaps they were jealous!
But while I wish I could make it clear that small towns are not perfect, I only wish the city folks could see the joy and love that surrounds a small community. I know if they would give my town a try they would love it!
After I grew older, I was thrown out into the real world, outside of my hometown of West Point, Iowa. I moved to Saint Ambrose University and the love I had experienced from my small community suddenly turned into big city love. While I knew the love was there, it wasn’t the same as it was in my hometown community.
My transition to life in Davenport was a big one. For example, I have never heard so many sirens going off so often in my life! Growing up in a small town, I was not exposed to the drug dealings, shootings, and robberies that happen in bigger cities, like Davenport. I believe my being raised in a small town helped me develop strong morals and beliefs because I was not exposed to all these things.
I think those who grow up in big cities all their lives miss out on the feelings of love and coziness given in a small town. Therefore, I believe a small town was the best place for me to grow up.
Nicole Meierotto
