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Life is a highway, so I’m gonna write it

I grew up in the city of Indianapolis, so I wasn’t exposed to country music as often as others in the Hoosier state. Whenever I heard country music, though, I would scream and immediately change the song.
I downright hated country music.

The music and beats weren’t creative. The lyrics were only about beer, girls and tractors, which are three things I didn’t really care that much about before middle school. The twang in the singers’ voices made my ears bleed.

When I was in middle school, I only listened to classic rock. Yeah, that was my awkward stage; long, straight hair, acne and an iPod loaded with Foreigner, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Boston. I thought I was unique; I was really just an awkward dork.

As I progressed through high school, I started to like more music. Either I was maturing or the popular music just got better. Whatever the case was, one thing stayed the same.

I still hated country music.

It reminded me of all the rednecks I ran into at the Indiana State Fair who wore shirts three sizes two small, were missing a few too many teeth and were spittin’ tobacco while talking obnoxiously loud and grammatically incorrect.

But then college came, and something totally changed.

My friends here listen to a ton of country music. As I continued to hang out with them more, I was exposed to more and more country music. Over time, I let my guard down and really gave it a chance.
Now, the twang is endearing. The lame lyrics are fun to sing along to because, as a college frat boy, I care about drinking and girls (tractors still aren’t my thing).

I don’t associate country music with hillbillies anymore. I’ve taken a total 180 with my stance on country music, and my life is much more enjoyable with country music in it.

The moral of this story isn’t about liking country music. I know people don’t give a rat’s behind about whether I like country music or not. It’s about change and how you adapt to those changes.

We’re all going to be facing change soon. Some are going to be graduating; others are still adjusting to college life. Some people change their minds about wanting to be friends with someone or which gender they’re attracted to or even what gender they are.

These changes may seem scary and stressful, much more so than changing your stance on country music, but I’m here to say that change is good. There are changes you can’t control. When they come, embrace them and move forward.

Life is a highway, friends. No matter what change comes, roll with it, and drive that highway your way forever.

One Comment

  1. Mark Kryah Mark Kryah October 14, 2015

    Great piece Alex! Proud of you :)

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