Pivotal Places In My Life

There are various pivotal places in a person’s life when you think about it. We’ve been to numerous places in our lives, several of which hold a special meaning to us. These places have helped us achieve personal growth, strengthened us as individuals, and have produced memories that will last us a lifetime. My pivotal place is a small town in Western Pennsylvania that I used to live in. Though it’s a place I tried so hard to forget, it’s the place that taught me the most in my life.
For the sake of not getting sued for mentioning the town’s name, my town will be referred to as “H.” I moved to H from Philadelphia back in 2006. My dad had received an excellent job offer in the small city near H. My parents had decided my sister and I wouldn’t go to the city’s schools, because the suburbs had better schools. We left everything we knew in Philadelphia and moved to the small town. One of the first things I remember about our new town were the strange looks that my family and I received from the townspeople. It was almost as if people

Leah lived in my neighborhood and went to my school. We clicked instantly, becoming best friends within a short period of time. I remember her hesitation to come over to my house and vice versa. I was confused, because we were best friends and spending time together outside of school was a vital part of friendship. Fast forward a few months, it was Leah’s eighth birthday. She decided she wanted to have a big party at her house. She invited all the girls in our class. I was so excited to finally spend some time with Leah outside of school, even if it meant sharing her with twelve other girls. I put on one of my best dresses for Leah’s party, making sure I wouldn’t outshine the birthday girl. I excitedly walked to Leah’s house, present in hand, with a smile on my face. Unbeknownst to me, that day would completely change how I saw the world around