Population 4,627

For over 21 years, I have lived in the small town of Nashville, Arkansas. I would not trade my hometown for anything. It is where I grew up, and molded into the young lady I am today.

When you live in a small town, you are familiar with everyone. You know everyone by name for the most part. You know everyone’s past, present, and future. You know individuals who were sitting at the bar stool on Friday or Saturday night to the ones who sat on the church pew on Sunday morning. You know the exact times to find the old man selling produce at the three way.

In a small town, rumors spread like wildfires. You could learn something new about yourself in an instant. You have to think before you act. If you are not careful, your parents will find out about your night out on the town before you even make it home before curfew. Many judgments and assumptions will be made about you.

Personally, I have been accused of dating black guys. 

I have a best friend who just happens to be a black guy. Since I hang out with him or go out to eat with him in public, others assume we are dating. Individuals will label you in a small town based on your actions. Most people in small towns are stuck in the past. They are unable to open their eyes changes.

After reading all of that, you are probably questioning why I would still want to live in a small town?! Well… no matter where you go in this big world, you are going to be judged by someone. Individuals will make assumptions about you based on your appearance or how you act in situations.

When you live in a small town, you know your neighbors. You can walk next door just borrow sugar because in a week you will probably be returning the favor.

This small town has definitely taught me many lessons about life. It has opened my eyes. Every individual in my town has opened my eyes to some way or another. It is from the kind young man holding the door open for you to the older lady thanking you for your helping hand at the grocery store. Since I have traveled to larger towns and cities, I can tell the differences between my hometown and the other place. A small town grows to become a family. We always lend a helping hand no matter what the situation may be. We put aside our differences to help the ones in need. It does not matter how big of a fight or argument you were in the day before with the one in need. Its the little things that make everything else worthwhile. 

Larger communities are not given the opportunities to get to know everyone like in a small town.

My small town is where I was raised. I may not have the same views or ideas as other individuals who live in Nashville, Arkansas, but we all share a common bond. 

Remember, everyone has their own opinions. We all see things differently. I love my small town.