Appalachian Ohio: Where I Grew Into Myself
Rural Ohio: A place unheard of or seldom thought about—a quiet place. Somewhere small.
Gallipolis, Ohio. My hometown. The village that shaped me into who I am today and who I continue to grow into. A quaint spot that lies along the Ohio River. Within the river valley, you are met with the average mom-and-pop shop alongside hospitality with its 3,300 population.
Gallipolis was somewhere we always visited when growing up. Originally born in Virginia, we saw my mother’s side of the family when visiting. In 2013, we wound up moving to Gallipolis in light of new family situations along with a soon-to-be ill grandmother.
It always felt small. From once visiting to eventually residing, the nearest mall was an hour away. Starbucks too. It was within its own world. Think Disney and the experience(s) they approach their guests within their theme parks but the polar opposite tucked within a town of unmowed lawns and Donald Trump flags.
When living in Gallipolis I felt like an outsider. Before high school, I came out as gay.
This was a turning point in my youth. No matter what, it was going to scare those around me. What is more common than drug use and homelessness within Appalachian Ohio is small-mindedness. And what may seem like a stereotype comes as a fact due to school district ratings of both districts within Gallia County. From my perspective, it was the unknown people were most scared of and during my time in public schooling, this was always the case.
This never stopped me but shaped me into who I am today. As someone who is outspoken and holds a lot of tenacity, I never let myself become worn down. Constantly challenging the status quo–there was no backing down.
Met with a plethora of side comments, slurs and judgment from an early age, I took it as development. What one cannot always do is please all those around you. No matter where one lands, there will be trials and tribulations.
In my early years of high school, my friend group became settled. Two friends who I still keep in touch with today. There is always that social circle you can count on in school and this was the one. I found the two people who understood me and the experiences I faced. Even being heavily involved in school clubs and choirs, I never met another duo like Madison and Sarah. Sure there was no mall to go to on Saturday, but there was Maddie’s living room and Sarah’s family farm. It was always the little things.
This was Gallipolis to me.
As a now departed resident of Gallia County, I reflect back on my times and occasionally take a deep look into how, and why a town as such continues to operate. Was Gallipolis the place for me? No. Was I met with like-mindedness? Rarely. But, I put those aside when thinking about Gallipolis. It was the community sense of it all.
If there is one thing about small-town America, it’s the community. Though toxic at times, there is something unlike what you find in other places. It is no secret rural places are met with a lack of support due to their nuances and absence of proper education but there are those who fight for it.
Teachers are the backbone of these communities. After aiding in a classroom for two years, it truly shed light on the situation(s) these young students found themselves in. Moving from school to school while their parents move from person to person alongside their dirt-floor “homes”.
Sandra Plantz works for the Gallia County School district and became the district’s homeless liaison in 2013. It’s people like this who fight for change in these students’ lives. It is up to those who have a serious love for their hometown who wish to leave it a better place than they entered it. Community is the root of regions like these in Appalachia.
I came into this place so lost and once vengeful about the experiences I had. But what matters most is not one’s political affiliation, economic status or knowledge, but the set values these communities hold.
Did I love it? No. Will I ever move back? I’m unsure. But what I love is change. If there’s one way to ever go, it’s forward. That’s what I did for myself but those who love their communities will continue to push for what is important. Change. I grew into myself in a community like this and I know those that wish the best for youth in areas like these will continue to do the same.
Hosted by Kent State University sophomore Dylan Walker with guest Southeast Ohio resident and advocate Clarissa Carroll.