I’m writing
this from twenty-two thousand feet in the air, approximately one hour
from home. Four months ago I embarked upon the journey of a life time
when I moved to New York City to pursue a career in entertainment. I am
pleased to say that the horror stories of New York (for the most part)
are not true—people don’t automatically hate you and despite
the city’s cement anatomy there are parks to escape to for a nature
and serenity. On the other hand, there are things about the city that
leave me feeling like an Oklahoma version of Dorothy— closet sized
apartments, constant commotion and expensive prices all leave me thinking,
I’m not in Kansas anymore. Throughout my short time in the city that
never sleeps I have made solid strides in the direction of my dreams—I’ve
interviewed celebrities, met mentors and performed in a few small productions
around the city. But despite the big dreams and bright future I have,
today, all I’m thinking about is how grateful I am to be going home
for the holidays.
Home for me is the complete opposite of my current residence. Collinsville,
Oklahoma—population five thousand plus, where everyone waves and
the only thing sweeter than the people is the ice cream at Scoops and
Grinds. My family has lived in Collinsville, most of us within the same
three mile radius, for four generations and I am so glad to be back! Once
my plane lands I know my sister and I will drive past all the places where
so many fond childhood memories were made. I remember summer days spent
at the city pool, crushing on cute lifeguards and showing off our toughest
tricks on the diving board. A little further down the road is the familiar
middle school; I can still smell the fresh paint on the walls like the
first day of school was yesterday; I remember group projects from Mrs.
Ganzel’s sixth grade science class, running laps around the building
for track practice and the many times I sat in the hall outside Mr. Saltsman’s
class (Yes, I admit, I deserved it). High school brought its own set of
experiences and memories. This was the first time I experienced what it
was like to be on a team—I remember how proud I felt playing for
the Varsity Volleyball team at the state tournament; looking back, I am
still honored to have to won and lost with such an incredible group of
young ladies. I also got my first taste of journalism when I interned
for Ted Wright at Cvilleok.com—I was thrilled to photograph and write
about all of the events happening around town; I certainly think part
of my love of writing and journalism stems from my time as an intern.
Although I loved my time in Collinsville, I have always been what my Mom
calls a “hot pants”. A “hot pants” is someone who
wants to go, do and see everything that’s out there! I could never
sit still and for as long as I can remember I have been dreaming of the
day that I can leave home, get to the big city and make my dreams happen.
There were times when I took what I had for granted thinking When can
I get out of here? I just want to be in some big city doing (fill in the
blank with whatever my passion of the week was)!” Well now that I’m
“out” I see things a little differently; I suppose the saying,
hind sight sees twenty-twenty is true, because despite the fact that I
am loving New York City, I now have a new appreciation for where I came
from and what I have learned from growing up in a small town. I am beginning
to understand that the person I am today is a result of the lessons I
have learned from my hometown and the wonderful people in it—I’ve
learned what it’s like to be dedicated, driven and hard working.
I have also learned the importance of humility and kindness. And perhaps
more than anything, I have learned the significance of slowing down and
reminding myself of what really matters in life. Its character traits
like these that make me so proud to call Collinsville my home. I am humbled
by the support I have received from everyone; I can’t explain how
much it means to me. I promise to continue to work hard, dream big and
make Collinsville proud. I’m not exactly sure how everything will
work out but I’m positive it will and I can’t wait to share
it.
Among all the truths I’ve gained from growing up in Collinsville,
there is one that seems truer now that ever: Regardless of where you go,
Dorothy was right, there really is no place like home.
Love,
Katie Hoffman
PS: To stay up to
date on my NYC adventure and the journey to my dreams “like”
my page on facebook (www.facebook.com/iamkatiehoffman)
and check out my new website iamkatiehoffman.com
coming soon.
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