What's great about: Wink

People often think I'm joking when I tell them the name of my hometown.

"Wink?" they ask, puzzled.

I tell them, "Yep. Blink, and you'll miss it."

And it's true.

Wink contains little more than 900 people, with only one school system. There's a convenience store, grocery store, one restaurant - and no stoplight.

It's the type of town where everybody knows everybody, which can lead to a lot of gossip. But it's a minor inconvenience.

Growing up in Wink, I've always felt safe, and most town members would agree. Few people lock, or even close their doors when they're away from home during the day.

And, while there are a few exceptions, usually the biggest problem with vandalism is kids "wrapping" houses (of course, everyone knows who did it, so the culprits are seen later cleaning up the mess).

I'm graduating with 27 people, a large class for Wink. In my class, almost everyone gets along with each other, but it's more than that.

We've developed a bond that I'm sure will continue even after we graduate. Adults have always told me that I probably won't meet my true, lifelong friends until college or possibly later. However, I can honestly say that the friends I've made here, in this tiny town, are those true friends.

If I were given a chance to relive my adolescence in a different place, there's no way I would take it. Wink is my home, and I feel lucky to have grown up in such a wonderful place.

WHO IS SHE?

>> Name: Erin Whitmire.
>> Age: 18.
>> Grade: Senior.
>> Parents: James and Lori Whitmire.