I saw their follow up and I think that it makes more sense in the context provided there. The idea being that this is a person who engaged in the alt version of peaking in high school, compared to what we’re seeing as someone who’s living her best life even if it’s not what others would see as a best life. I’ve met both of these people, as well as those who are just adequately playing the hand they drew.

Also I will concede that mid sized Midwestern cities could refer to Cleveland or to Akron, the former is a perfectly fine achievement to wind up in and for many people even a place to brag about, the latter, well so long as you’re happy, I do have plenty of fond memories of it.