No Place Like Home-Western Kansas
You have maybe heard local teens say, “I can’t wait to graduate and leave this place.” I might have thought this at one point in time during my teen years; however I have a great love for this area and wanted to make it my home again. I grew up in Almena and graduated from Northern Valley. I enjoyed growing up in a rural Kansas community very much. As a kid, my friends and I could ride bikes and play basketball all day in the summer and our parents would not worry about our safety. I liked knowing everyone who lived in the community and being able to say hi to everyone I pass. This area is known for their kind and hospitable people. In times of hardship, people come together to help each other out. I would not change one thing about growing up in rural Kansas; it has made me into the woman I am today.
After graduating high school, I went to FHSU and earned my degree in Business Education. During college, I enjoyed coming back to visit family and to be in this area. So when trying to decide where to do my student teaching at, I choose Norton because I could live with family, be back in the area, and knew the teacher who would be my mentor teacher. After graduation, decisions needed to be made on what to do and where to live. In making this decision, I knew I wanted to stay in this area because I really enjoy the rural lifestyle and want to raise a family here someday. I like the friendly people, the values they have, the culture and traditions.
Living in Phillipsburg and working at Phillips County Economic Development for over a month, I have enjoyed it very much. I was surprised at the progressive attitude the community and PCED have. I feel like community members and leaders have passion for this town and county which leads to constant improvements. I feel improvement is very important because if you are not improving you are probably dying. There are so many great projects going on that will help the community greatly. Some of these projects I have noticed are: Majestic Theatre Renovation, Wellness Center, Aqua Park, Discover Phillipsburg Main Street, Community Reinvestment Program and Discover Phillips County. Phillips County has great businesses and commerce. If Phillipsburg and Phillips County continue to have passion and being progressive, it will continue to be a big success.
-Andrea Lowry: Office Manager
