Junction City, Kansas, is a town that I can literally write
a book, or perhaps even stories that will be centered in this town. Not only
stories, but stories through music. As I am constantly writing new thoughts and
ideas, a lot of times, I have to sit back after going through a full nostalgic
attack on many things. Whether it’s my life of experiences, or the memories
others created, this time, I had to think… With all of the music and writing
projects I have created in the past that has to do with this town (in which
they are not published/finished material yet), I thought about one thing…. I remember
a lady once told my mother, “this is God’s country, and it hasn’t been struck
down”. Have you ever noticed the fact how tornadoes would touch down Geary County,
but they never fully destroyed us? I understand the old Native American legend
about the two rivers, but seriously, has it ever occur to you that there is
some sort of “magic” in this town? What is it really? What I find extremely
interesting, is the fact how there are people who are drawn to this town from
surrounding areas/counties who not only work, but actually HELP and give back
to the community. With us being the home
to Fort Riley, even Fort Riley gives back in so many ways. People from Manhattan,
Wamego, and other places give back for much support.
Junction City High School was a dear place in my heart, and
with all of the greatest memories my friends and I had in that school, we all
had dreams to be somebody, and we all had dreams to go somewhere. We all had
teachers that impacted us through the good times, bad times, and even if they
were bad, we still look back and say, I wish I could go back to repeat it. We say it not because it was high school and
things were easy at the time, but there’s something about that magic in which
we all felt connected to one another. We all had our best of times, and worst
of times. We have grown up with some great elementary school memories, middle
school memories, and even community memories. Some of the people who live here
will often say something negative about this town, and some people end up
leaving this town. However, when I sat back in my chair the other day, I
thought about who graduated, left, or is living their life. But I also realized
how once we departed this town after graduating, or anything else, we always
end up wanting to come back. We also end up staying in this town for some odd
reason. The more people who try to deny wanting to live here, the more some how
they end up right back here. What draws us to this town? What makes us stay?
What makes outside people from other communities give back to continue building
on the rich traditions and legacies that were once started by the community
founders?
If the community can help us grow, we can help it grow by
giving back. I always think to myself, if we are to come back, how can we lead
for the next generation? If we are to grow, who’s going to be the next mayor,
teacher, commissioner, historian, or any other leader who has an impact? We all have a part in this town, we all have
many stories and memories. Like I always said, many people don’t understand it,
but if there ever came a time in which we had filmed a movie of our years in
school, this town, or anything, it would be a fantastic experience to do. I
wouldn’t mind if the director said, okay I want everyone who taught at the
school from 2007-2011, and has graduated from those classes, come back to
participate in a Hollywood movie. I bet you 100%, if that was to ever happen,
not only will everyone feel the memories and bondage like family waiting to
happen, but the “magic” in where you came from. By the time you look at it,
you’ll know that it will be a moment to relive those glory days.
…..Oh don’t worry, I didn’t stop right there…..I have a lot
more stories and wisdom to share with you.
…..No wonder why Senior year felt like a movie…..
…..More stories to come…..You may not understand it now, but
I’m telling it the best I can.
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