Right where I want to be

I was passing out my resume to a ton of businesses at the career fair today, and it kind of made me sad to think that I've got so little time left here (unless I stay on for after college).

I can honestly say that this community has some of the nicest people around, and while I never would have considered myself rural or small-town oriented, I think I feel more at home here than anywhere else I've lived. Part of it has to do with me becoming the extra-vocal extrovert I am now, but part of it has to do with the people. I am really going to miss them.

Back up north I would never have...
--Acted in one of the most controversial plays ever written for THREE YEARS STRAIGHT
--Become a fairly well-known and well-respected player in local politics (there's a reason I got to endorse a county board candidate and that the head of the Champaign Dems came to one of MY organization's events)
--Been able to walk into the vintage store and joke with the proprietress about all sorts of random things. Much less have her set aside something for my birthday!
--Written a play based on my experiences with therapeutic artwork and the lovely people who champion it as a good way of helping others
--Joined one of the oldest (and friendliest!) clusters in the state and experienced the feeling of being valued for more than outward material displays.
--Been able to banter back and forth with the assistant dean. It felt weird, but yes, at my cultural committee, I get to toss ideas back and forth with the dean! And it felt more like she was one of my peers instead of an all-powerful administrator.
--Been nominated for a departmental award.
--Gone into one of the most heartbreaking but rewarding vocations and met some incredibly courageous men and women in the process.
--Made some of the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful friends I could ever want to have. I am so fortunate to have them all.

Well, I never thought I was sentimental, but this post totally proves the contrary! I know I'm going to miss them all.