by Katherine Green

A vacation would not be complete with the classic question any midwesterner is asked when they tell people where they are from. “If you’re from [insert state here], do you live on a farm?” Sometimes, when I tell people I’m from Kansas, I even get the occasional, “Do you ride a cow to school?”

First of all, is it even possible to ride cows? But to answer your question, kind tourist, no. No I do not live on a farm, and yes there are places where I’m from in Kansas where no wheat fields exist, where people drive cars, not tractors, and where there is not a single barn in sight.

Growing up in Kansas, or Missouri, I think it is safe to say everyone has felt the same emotion towards the same issue. I’m sure everyone has spoke the words, “There’s nothing to do here,” or “It’s so boring,” referring to the plain states STA students live in, whether it be Missouri or Kansas. But when you really think about it, the Kansas City area a majority of STA students come from is the ideal place to grow up.

Thinking about it, yeah California or New York would be cool to live in growing up. Living in Kansas, though, is pretty hard to measure up to. Where’s another place where you can lay out in 90 degree weather in July and build an igloo during a snow day in December? Where can you walk your dog around your neighborhood and not have a care in the world?

Some people seem to think, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” However, I think the grass is just as green where I grow up as it is in any other state. Even if Colorado or Florida have landmarks that make living there fun, this Kansas City metropolitan area possesses the community to make this city a home to everyone. It is safe, connected, and fun for kids.

When it comes down to it, I would rather live in a state like California or Colorado when I grow up, but for now, I am perfectly content with the city I live in. While some people take this home town of theirs for granted, I would not have it any other way.