Vermont
Vermont
By Maddie Gilbert
Woodstock Union High School, Grade 11
Growing up in Vermont is a unique experience and creates a very distinct personality. Vermont is a state of contrasts, simplicity, and friendly people. Having lived here all my life and having a father whose family has been here for generations, I have been able to fully experience the typical Vermont life with all its oddities and quirks. Throughout the years, I have come to appreciate the state and what it offers, especially since I traveled abroad this summer and realized that every place in the world has its unique characteristics, sentiment, and value. However, trying to put those characteristics that define Vermont into words is almost impossible, because of the intangible feel of the state. After much thinking and reflection, I have decided that a Vermonter is happily self sufficient, involved with their small community, and appreciative of nature.
My dad’s family has lived in Vermont for generations, and they have always been very self sufficient. When my dad was young, his family had a small farm where they produced some of their essential food. People here enjoy being self sufficient, and many families continue to do whatever they can for themselves, whether it is building a house, fixing a broken shed, or growing their own food. Hard work is greatly valued, and people expect and are expected to work hard to achieve their dreams. This emphasis on self sufficiency creates a streak of fierce independence and pride that is found in almost every native Vermonter. However, with this self sufficiency comes a splash of stubbornness. The stubbornness of people accounts for their determination to do what they decide and not change their mind once it has been set. Recently, my dad has been building an addition to our house, and the progress has been slow. We suggested many times that he hire help, but he refuses to do so, and instead works harder than ever to finish it before winter arrives.
Almost completely contradicting the self sufficient attitude, Vermonters are also very involved in their communities and helpful. Because most of the towns here are so small that everybody knows everybody, it is possible to create change and get along. As I walk through town with my dad, he greets almost everyone he sees, and if I ask how he knows them the stories I get can go on for hours. He knows them from high school Spanish class, or because their mother was his mother’s friend. The sense of community is very tight knit, and I myself can hardly walk around downtown for an afternoon without running into several people I know and getting friendly waves. Several years ago, my mom had a hip replacement, and before we knew it, our house was flooded with delicious food and our answering machine was filled with messages offering assistance. This neighborly mind-set and willingness to help (although many stubborn Vermonters will not accept it) is another distinguishing feature of what it means to be a Vermonter.
The appreciation of nature is another trait that the vast majority of Vermonters share. Nature is very important to life, whether it be for recreation or survival. It provides many opportunities for recreation, including hiking, biking, swimming in the rivers, skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, or cross country running. In the past, people hunted for food so their families would survive. Almost every story from my dad’s childhood involves nature in some way, whether it be climbing Mt. Tom or playing outside in the snow. Nature’s availability in Vermont also adds to its respect. You cannot look in a single direction without seeing some aspect of nature, and the weather can change extremely fast. One day it can be 60 degrees and sunny, and the next, 30 degrees and snowing. Nature changes life here, and dictates everyday activities as well as creates a different outlook on the world for those who live here.
Being a Vermonter can mean many different things, but to me it means the mixture of self reliance and stubbornness as well as happiness. The happiness comes from satisfaction from a job well done and the knowledge that it was done well. The community ties are also very important, especially in rural Vermont, and play a large role in society. Living here creates people who appreciate what life offers them, and gracefully accept the opportunities as well as challenges thrown in their direction.