Howdy, my name is Randy, I’m 17 years old living in central Maine. I have lived here all my life and that’s something I will never regret.

Growing up, I despised Maine, and I hated my town especially. I thought the only good thing about Maine was the coast, and something I expressed often. I found my town old and boring. I wanted to get out of here so bad.

But now, in my senior year as the days grow closer to me making the decision to leave the state and pursue higher education somewhere across the country, I have looked upon this state and even my town with a great fondness and even nostalgia despite my young age.

I can’t say that I will raise a family here, or live here for much longer, but I will always cherish Maine and my attitude towards this state has greatly changed. I love it here, and I wouldn’t want to grow up anywhere else. Maine taught me many of things, one of them being thick skin, otherwise you’ll freeze to death come December. The most important is to appreciate every little thing and every memory you have.

Everything is changing now, my town is changing and Maine is changing, even if it is rather slow. I will always love it here and I will miss it.

Maine will always be my home.