Editor’s note: Enumclaw Middle School students wrote essays about how places around the Plateau shaped their identity. Six essays have been selected to be published in the Courier-Herald at the end of the month, every other month; they have been minimally edited to retain the author’s voice. This is the first of the six essays.

About four years ago, I moved to Enumclaw. I couldn’t really find myself until I walked into Cole Street for the first time, which was during the Christmas Season. I walked through Cole Street to get to town hall for the tree lighting. I have many memories from Cole Street and they impact me in many ways.

It was a cold brisk night with little sprinkles of rain tingling down my face. The glowing street lights were as pretty and bright as the stars. The golden, twinkling little stars dangling down from the beautiful, glimmering, big silver star. I could smell hot cocoa and could hear people laughing out in the distance. That was probably one of the best nights I had ever had. It made me realize that spending time with the people and town that I love can impact me in many ways.

I have gone to a couple festivals on Cole Street Some of my best memories are from these festivals. I remember going to a craft and music fair not too long ago with my parents and my best friend. The sun seemed to be brighter than it had ever been before. Probably because of the amount of happy people in one amazing place.

My best friend and I met some of the nicest people you will ever meet. We went into a store with clothes, purses, and other interesting items. The woman working there was very sweet, polite, and always asked us if we needed anything. We went into the Magical Earth Rock store to see the most beautiful rocks and other items you will ever see. The women who work there were very kind and always said to have an amazing day. It brings more joy into my day to hear those words.

We met this sweet woman with a baby who was selling crocheted little toys. They were very artistic, I loved looking at all of them. We even saw some musical artists come play music. There was a guy on the piano downtown, and he was incredible. Another guy came into town with a guitar. It sounded beautiful. I never wanted that day to end. It made me realize that our town is special because most towns I’ve been to haven’t been the friendliest of people. This town is one of the kindest ones I’ve been to, or even lived in yet.

I remember a couple years ago on Halloween, I had one of the best nights with my best friend before she moved away. We dressed up as grannies, it was the funniest thing I had ever done. I could hear kids laughing while running down the road for sweet, Halloween candy. There were lots of people standing outside of their shops, restaurants, and other places handing out candy to younger kids. The breezy evening sky with the brightest moon I had ever seen lit up the street. I saw my best friend’s younger siblings having an incredible time, laughing and making jokes as we walked through. That night is one of my favorite memories with my old best friend because it felt really magical. That made me realize that you don’t need to always leave home to find a place that makes you happy. You don’t always need to go on vacation, because on Cole Street, it can feel like magic.

In conclusion, this town has impacted my identity in many ways. It has showed me that the people I love can have a great influence on my life, that our town is different than others because we are kind to everyone all the time, we can show our affection through many different ways, and that you don’t need to always leave home to find a place that matters to you most. The place that matters most to me is right here in Cole Street in Enumclaw.