As my son works his way through the college application process, I continue to learn more and more. The latest thing I learned is that there is a classification beyond “rural.” Apparently “frontier” is more rural than “rural”–and that’s where we live. It seems I’ve come full circle. From growing up in Wyoming, to living in San Francisco, to the frontier town of Yreka, CA.

 

There are definitely advantages to living the frontier life. Clean air, clean water, an abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery to photograph, to name just a few. The only traffic problems around here, besides snow, are when the deer wander out into the streets.

However, there are downsides as well. I just heard the news that another grocery store will be closing. We once had three. Then Walmart opened a Supercenter here and one store closed. This is the second closing, leaving only one regular grocery store in town. I fear that one day the only option will be Walmart, and that would be a shame. Then again, maybe that’s what defines “frontier.” I hope not.

In any case, it’s apparently a good thing on a college application. But not as good as a high SAT score, or awesome grades. Luckily, he has those, too. Fingers crossed for Stanford…