Quote:
Originally Posted by darockwilder
That's an interesting point about the limitations of small towns. I too came to Calgary from a small Okanagan town in the early 90's, and most of my high school classmates went to Vancouver and a couple came here. The absolute smartest guy I knew in school (like he knew things that I likely still have no idea about) didn't leave, and ended up working at the Dairyland plant or whatever it was there. He unfortunately ended up taking his life at a house party he was hosting not too many years after graduation. When I found out I couldn't believe it. He was so bright, and maybe he figured this would be all he'd be doing the rest of his life and couldn't fathom it.
Anyways, sorry for the bummer post. When I read this I was reminded of my friend.
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Did not grow up in a small town myself, but ended up post-highschool becoming very involved in a couple of small town social groups.
It seemed to be an issue of boredom. It was very easy for kids to slip into a pattern of hanging out with their small group of friends, then having no motivation to do anything but drink/party through their 20s. Things like drug abuse, early/unwanted pregnancy, alcoholism, petty crime, reckless driving, etc..all seemed pretty ubiquitous. Some kids just got jobs at the local plant, mill, etc.. got married very young and were content to stay where they were. Nothing wrong with that choice either, but it took a fair degree of focus to avoid the local traps, and, from my perspective, I would have always wanted to pursue other options.
The same things happens in cities, but it seemed a little easier for kids to get involved in college or more varied job prospects without making a big jump and abandoning their social group.
That being said, some of the most well adjusted and best people I know are from and continue to live in small towns. Many are the people that left for a period and then came back. They can become the best of both worlds. Some degree of experience/worldliness while maintaining the small town non-elitist attitude.