“What are you talking about?” he replied, but he knew exactly what I was looking for. My search revealed nothing; however, I had experience with his tricks. I dashed outside and as quickly as my hunt began, it ended. Tucked in the grille of his vehicle was what I was looking for — a candy bar. For years, my uncle brought me a candy bar every time I saw him. Each time it was different, and each time I was just as excited to discover it. As the years went by, my uncle eventually stopped bringing the candy bars. More mature conversations began to define our relationship rather than a candy bar. Neither of us knows exactly when this occurred, as it was a gradual change, but what I do know is that the excitement and enthusiasm I once had for this ritual is the same I now have for the future. My …show more content…
Just as there is physical seclusion, there is also a sense of cultural seclusion. My region has a general homogeneity in its race, religion, politics, and culture. Moreover, as a small rural town, the opportunities for growth are limited. The lack of diverse cultural experiences and opportunities is striking, and perspectives about the world can be limited.
After my sophomore year of high school, I left Appalachia. I left the comfort of home, friends, and family to pursue what I knew I wanted — challenges and different opportunities. I began attending the Gatton Academy, a residential high school on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and practically every aspect of my life changed — population size, diversity, opportunities, class size, number of friends and challenges, personal growth, and even my drive home (which is now four and a half hours). I went from one of the least diverse cities in Kentucky to one of the most