I’ve lived most of my life in Provo. But the time I spent living outside of it felt completely different. 

I say that in regards to how different the atmosphere and culture feels in Provo compared to other places. 

The reality is Provo is such a bubble. There is no denying the obvious. 

The main reason for this is just as obvious, that the culture is centered around the dominant religion. 

If you’re born and raised in Provo there is a certain path you are expected to take. Graduate from seminary, go on a mission, enroll at BYU, and marry the first person you date once you get home from your mission. 

When you stray from the expected path, it doesn’t feel like you’ve popped the bubble. It feels like you’re stuck. Especially as a teenager, it’s so hard to feel like you have a place. Because your views are so different from the people around you. How can you feel comfortable in a community where you feel like you have to pretend to be something you’re not. 

It feels almost like a waiting game. Waiting for that moment you don’t have to pretend anymore. When you can step out of the bubble and just be yourself. 

It’s not that Provo is this horrible confining place. The people here are genuinely amazing and wonderful. But I always wonder if everyone is as genuine and confident as they appear to be. Because I know I don’t feel genuine. Especially because I feel like I have to cover up a part of myself to feel accepted and not judged. I know a part of me is accepted here and a part of me has found a place here. But that’s only a part, it’s not the entirety of me. It always makes me wonder if everybody else is only showing a part of themselves too. They are also afraid that if they show their whole self they won’t be accepted. 

Provo feels like this place where everyone is perfect. Where everyone believes the same thing and takes the same path in life. I think that’s why it feels like a bubble. Everyone is afraid of being imperfect. We need to realize we all aren’t the same cookie cutter products of our upbringing and environment. That everyone has a part of themselves they feel doesn’t quite fit. But we don’t need to trim ourselves down to fit the same shape as everyone else. We can pop the bubble when we realize not everything has to be done the same perfect way.