3 minute read

MAKING FRIENDS WITH TOWNIES

from 2020 Cats Guide

by Northwest Missourian

from 2020 Cats Guide, page 23

SMALL-TOWN TRANSITION

24 community / northwest missourian Why you should befriend a townie

KENDRICK CALFEE Comm. News Editor @KoalaCalfee

We chose to stay here for a reason. Some of us fi nd that reason out sooner than others, but there is something about Maryville, or Northwest at least, that kept us tucked in this small corner of Missouri for our college experience.

It could have been the memories of simpler times, before we were forced to look ahead to our individual futures and fi gure out how we were going to make a living, when what we cared about most was a late night drive for a milkshake after the Friday night lights and watching the magic that happened underneath them. Go Spoofhounds.

It could have been the comfort of knowing familiar faces, being connected and invested in a community that we grew up in, learned from, and didn’t want to leave so soon.

It could have been the mom and pop shops, the backbone of a small town, where you’re never greeted with anything less than a big smile and “howdy do.”

It could have been knowing, like all townies do, the impact Northwest has on the town and region, where being a Bearcat means more than getting a degree, but that wherever you are from, you’re accepted into another family.

It could have been all of these reasons and more, our sentimental sides taking over and motivating us to act on more than just practicality. Here, we feel at home, and you could too.

See, us townies know all of the best local hangouts, small business specialties and know enough people to help even the most unacclimated person network their way to the infamous could-almost-be-considered-atownie status.

And if we are being honest, the criticism that townies take from students who are outsiders to the community isn’t completely fair.

Yes, we chose to stay where we have been for most of our lives mostly based on convenience and the fear of change, but that doesn’t mean we don’t take risks or lack vision. We just feel supported where we are, and by making one of us your fellow comrade, you could experience that too.

Maryville is a special place, even in the midst of its unique pros and cons that every other community has of their own. Moving to a new place is overwhelming, but if you give it a chance, this town will give back abundantly.

714 N DEPOT • MARYVILLE, MO (660)562-0025

tune-ups, heating & ac repair, Missouri state inspectors, brakes, computer diagnostics, fuel injection, suspension & steering, electrical, systems clean Come on in. We’ll make it yours.

660-562-7562

916 South Main Street Maryville, MO 64468

www.twaddlerealty.com twaddlerealty@gmail.com

ANDREW WEGLEY | NW MISSOURIAN The entrance into Downtown Maryville at the corner of Fourth and Buchanan, east of Northwest’s campus, was built in the mid-2010s.