Hometown

Most people say small-town Pride events don’t compare to those in the big cities, such as San Francisco or Los Angeles, however I have to disagree. I love attending the parade and being able to see the direct support from my favorite restaurants in town, or visiting a booth set up by a close friend.

The San Fernando Valley is where I’ve grown up, made mistakes and created special memories. Being back here for the summer brings up lots of emotions for me, but they’re just a reminder of my love-hate relationship with the Valley. 

Some may get tired of living in the same neighborhood for their entire life, but I love it. I’ve been able to see the way it’s changed, see who’s come and gone, watched the neighborhood kids grow up and been able to make many memories here.

As one continues in their college career, it is natural to grow a bittersweet relationship with their hometown. I feel so naturally at home but simultaneously the ghost of my youth — who I used to be taunts me. 

Yet somehow I still had this inclination that I didn’t belong neither here nor there. What if I didn’t belong anywhere?

I think everyone experiences this when traveling home for the first time in a while: the realization that the city we call home doesn’t hold its breath and wait for us to return. It keeps growing, decaying, expanding and even booming in our wake. 

Even though returning home from school can be relaxing and joyful, there are many dark sides, from running into old high school friends to listening to parents lecture you about your life choices. Here are just some of the thoughts we have during the Thanksgiving break, as told through GIFs.

Stephen Markley’s debut novel “Ohio” is an unforgiving portrayal of post-9/11 life in the small Midwestern town of New Canaan.

One of the biggest considerations in deciding which school you’ll attend is how far you want to be from home. The Clog has some pros and cons to consider.