Sometimes it seems boring. The winters are harsh and the summers have very limited sunny days. There's enough mosquitos to drive anyone crazy. We love to occasionally complain about it, but it's where we call home--and I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's a few things that I believe hit home for most of the kids who grew up around this area:
1) You know exactly what a red-and-white checkered floor means.
The best burritos in town and a sure-fire way to see what everyone is up to on the weekends.
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2) Just hearing the word "flood" still makes you cringe.
Whether you still managed to have a fun summer that year or not, no one likes remembering the countless hours spent moving either yourself, friends, or family out of their homes. (S/O to all of the amazing people who came out to lend a hand during that time!) Especially with the flood scare out on the north side and around SD recently, I'll be a happy girl if I never have to hear the words/phrases flood, levee, or "the corp of engineers are coming" again.
3) Looking forward to those 4 letters: SITP.
Whether you go for the music lineup, the large gathering of almost everyone you know in the Rose Garden, the recreational activities, or you stay at home because it's "overrated", you'll probably do some planning as to what you will do on Saturday in the Park. I had a lot of fun this year in the front row watching the Avett Brothers absolutely kill it!
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4) School rivalries.
Twitter is definitely my favorite app to check right after a big game. Whether it's Heelan vs. Le Mars or any other rivalry between the local schools, the feed will never be dull. Everyone loves to hate on Heelan from time to time, but in reality, some of the greatest people I know have come from there.
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5) We're all suspicious that none of us might ever be around long enough to see the New Heelan completed.
Although I loved the classic feel of being in the old building, it might've been cool to go to school where I didn't have to worry about sweating through my uniform before 10:00 am. Hopefully future Heelan students won't miss the heat-induced early outs or the gruesome walks from the Lower Senior Lot during -5 degree winter mornings too much (#LongLiveTheTrench). As for any non-Heelan students/alum that happen to drive past the construction site every once in a while, I'm (kinda) sure they are probably making a lot of headway.
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5) Morningside kids get to be close to all the best food.
Chipotle, Qdoba, Panera, Peach Wave, Chick-fil-A, Bdubs, Starbucks, and the food court at the mall. You guys are so lucky.
6) The construction is a real pain in the Summer. . . and driving is not all that better in the dead of Winter.
Thinking about when it would be a good time to sign up for drivers ed? Hurry up and secure either that Fall or Spring slot. No matter where you live around town, you have probably either been 15 minutes late getting somewhere due to traffic caused by construction, or have had to risk your personal safety driving to school because we couldn't be granted a late start just that once. (Side note: R.I.P. to all the traffic cones and fenders that were sacrificed to the 14 year old South Dakotan kids who were able to get their permits waaaay too early.*)
*I have the crushed dreams, angry sibling, and $180 "Failure to Stop" ticket to prove it. Yikes.
7) Creativity is a must.
Let's face it: of course there are more things to do in Omaha or Boji. However, with a little creativity and a good group of friends, the Sioux can be an awesome place to be. Whether it's playing tag downtown in the skywalks or having an AP U.S. History Burn Party in someone's backyard, there is always something to do (even if you have to sit down and contemplate it for a few hours beforehand.) Make the most of it. These years will be some of the best of your life!
Shout out to this town that I have been fortunate enough to have grown up in and to the many invaluable people I have met along the way. I hope I can take some of the great experiences and lessons I have learned with me when I move this fall. xx
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