Tyerra Rooffener When I say I am from Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, people often get confused, but sometimes they will say something like, “Oh like the Netflix show called ‘Ozark?’” to which I respond “Yes! Exactly!” My father, who loves good TV series, dislikes the show “Ozark” deeply. It angers my father that the director portrays his hometown as being a place that is plagued by drugs. I feel the same as my father about the image the show spreads, but on the other hand I am not as angry as my father about it because at least people can finally figure out where I am from. Now, let me show you what the real Lake of the Ozarks is like. We currently live right on the lake and which is known for being shaped like a dragon that has its head turned to the sky. People also call it “Dragon Lake.” Through our living room window, I can see this unique view. In my opinion, the lake is most beautiful in the winter. The lighting of the sun changes the lake’s natural deep green color to a mysterious and beautiful blue. And what makes the beautiful color even prettier is when the winter winds blow across the surface of the lake creating perfect ripples and waves that are truly breathtaking. To me, one of the most important characteristics of a town is its people. The Ozarks is not filled with scholars, but the people who reside there are charming in an honest, thoughtful and uncomplicated way. The people in the community are modest and easy to get along with. Most of my Dad’s side of the family lives here in the Ozarks. I have a very closely knit family here. We get together on Sunday at church, and during holidays and birthday celebrations at a family member’s house or at the city park. We are grateful for what we have. I love my family and friends there dearly but of course every place has its upsides and downsides. To say that the Ozarks does not have drug problems and that the TV show “Ozark” is a complete misrepresentation that only spoils the town image would be untrue. I think perhaps that is why my parents do not allow me to go to my classmates’ houses to hang out if they are unfamiliar with the area they live in. Whenever my classmates host sleepovers for their birthdays it irritates me when my parents ask me about my classmate’s family life, family members, and everyone who will be attending the party, as if they are FBI detectives. The phrase “better safe than sorry” is something I hear often from my parents. I really like my friends there, they are so direct and warm. When I went to boarding school interviews my friend Katie said to me, “I hope you don’t get in, that way you can stay and we can be friends forever. But at the same time I want you to succeed so you can achieve your dreams and get out of this town.” That touched me. All in all, I love my gorgeous hometown because those I love are there. One day I hope that when Lake of the Ozarks is brought up in people’s conversations they will say it is a beautiful place and that it is Tyerra’s hometown. | 