Check these 11 things off your list once you're back in the homeland we proudly call New Jersey.

1. Eat a New Jersey bagel.

I give it .5 seconds until I'm consuming the doughy goodness of a NJ bagel. Definitely one of the many claims to fame of this glorious state. For those who don't get it, don't knock it 'til you've tried it, your life will be changed for the better.

2. And pizza, yeah New Jersey pizza is low key incredible too.

Saying see ya later to the Dominos and Papa John's AKA cardboard covered in sauce and cheese that I am forced to consume back at school and saying HELLO to the beautiful work of art that Jersey pizza is.

3. Get cut off on the parkway, turnpike, or any other NJ highway.

Ah, yes, New Jersey driving is two things: fast and arrogant. Keep up or get cut off.

4. Proceed to curse at the same car that so graciously cut you off.

*Cue road rage*

5. Hit up the diner.

Is there any food NJ offers that isn't incredible? Any diner in this state will put the rest to shame. A never ending menu and a place open at any hour of the day; is this what heaven is like?

6. Enjoy the beauty of the seasons.

The bright colored leaves in the fall, snow covered grass in the winter, a blooming spring, and a hot summer spent perfectly down the shore, Jersey showcases its seasons perfectly.

7. Strengthen your accent.

When I get back to school I am asking for *c-awwwww-ffee* no matter how hard I try to say it any other way. My accent will be stronger, but I'm not ashamed, and remember, NO ONE EVER SAYS JOISEY.

8. Hit up one of the three malls within a 15-mile radius.

Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park, or WIllowbrook are three of the many viable mall options for your Saturday shopping. If one doesn't have what you're looking for, why don't ya just hit up another mall in the same day to see if they got your back? NJ makes it easy as that.

9. Root for your favorite New York/New Jersey teams without being ridiculed.

It's pretty dang hard to be a Yankees fan anywhere in the country except New York or New Jersey, and there's not a ton of love for the Giants, Jets, Mets, Rangers, Knicks, Nets, or Devils in many other places either. Embrace your fandom with the people who can appreciate your team as much as you do.

10. Gawk at the New York City skyline.

Whether you're flying over this beautiful city upon your return or you can see it from the highway in your town, chances are your happiness level has escalated once you see the bright lights and Empire State Building standing proudly in the middle of the greatest city in the world. Truth is, you forgot how much you missed it.

11. Happily let someone else pump your gas.

Yeah, I'll just sit here and ask, "can you fill it regular please?" and someone will do that, for me. Some call it lazy, we like to call it employing America.

12. Be grateful for the place you get to call home.

Others call it the armpit of the country, you call it your stomping grounds. Proudly defend it and be grateful for all that it has given you.