"She grew up tall and she grew up right with them Indiana boys on them Indiana nights"
When people ask me to describe my hometown, I tell them that it is a place with a small town feel and a city appeal. Evansville, Indiana is the only home I know and the only place I want to live. From Holy Rosary to Reitz Memorial High School, I was blessed to stay in the same hometown for my whole education before college. Even with my immense love for my College and it's surrounding town, I find myself missing Evansville. There is something about the High School Rivalry and the Downtown walks that will forever hold a place in my heart.
With every landmark in the town, I have a story. I have spent at least one night at every sonic, laughing and enjoying a fresh drink after a football game that my school most likely lost. The riverfront is where I saw my first fireworks show. Every street and backroad has been touched by my cars wheels and has listened to my friends and I screaming along to our music. I spent my first ever paycheck in the mall (and many more after that). Many of the neighborhoods have at least one of my friends houses. I had my first awkward, middle school date at our ice rink. Every police car that passes by is one that knows my dad ( and what a relieving feeling that is!) Los Bravos, while also being the best place for Mexican food in Evansville, was also where I spent every last-day-of-school celebration with my friends in High School. Coconuts, the used movies and records store, was my second home.
The point is, I am the person I am not only because of how my parents raised me, but also where they chose to do so. Although Evansville has it's faults, it gave me a great childhood and continues to provide me with wonderful memories. Many people my age are unable to see the beauty in my city and crave something bigger. As for me, I will take the tractors on the highways. I will take the pride of our boys of fall. I will take the city that made "A League of Their Own" its home. I will take the craziness of Franklin Street during the annual Fall Festival. I will take the crazy street names and endless construction. Not only will I embrace these things, but I will love them.
So thank you, Evansville. You taught me that there are never too many High Schools in one town. You continue to amaze me with your residents that seem to only come out on Fall Festival weekend. You remind me that there is more to a city than it's mall and attractions. You taught me that just because I live on the East side does not mean I can't believe that the West side is the best side. You taught me so many things and I am sure you will continue to teach me more. here is to you my lovely hometown.
P.S. If you could just make a lane on Highway 41 that is strictly for Semis only, you would save me from many panic attacks.
Sincerely,
Sidney
