Where you spend time making memories with people who have been though it all with you, that is home. And for me home, is Staten Island.

It can be said that Staten Island is like Brooklyn and New Jersey having a baby; It’s a small borough often known as the "forgotten borough", even though now it’s so overcrowded that I don’t know how people could really forget us.

“Staten Island gets a bad rep but really its just like any other suburb.” as said in Rhys Thomas released film Staten Island Summer.

There are many things that make this suburb different than any other one even though no one may want to admit it. For starters, we are actually a part of New York City. Long Island is Long Island. While Staten Island actually is an island, many seem to forget that because we head to Long Branch and Belmar every chance we get once summer rolls around. (We aren't known for our beaches.) Majority of our grandparents came from Brooklyn, but if that's not the case chances are you have been living here for so long you are a native “islander” (let’s make it sound cool). And even if you’ve lived here for years, you probably will say you want to move somewhere else at least three times in your life. But before we complain abut the traffic on the expressway, let’s find out what actually makes Staten Island a place you’ll always remember.

Ralph's.

If you go anywhere outside of New York City, hardly anyone knows what Ralph’s is! Or, if they have heard of it they assume its the same as Rita’s, which is completely and utterly 100 percent false. Ralph's is a mouthwatering sensation of flavorful water/cream ices that will rock your world. Ralph’s is open seasonally and is the best thing that will ever happen to you. After all, Ralph’s season grand opening is an undeclared Staten Island holiday.

That being said, you will find yourself there multiple times a week, and you will come to the realization that some lines are just worth waiting on. (Seriously, Ralph’s is that good!)

Great Views.

Yes, we have sights. Unlike the other boroughs, Staten Island has nature. we are home to acres upon acres of Green Belt conservancies that offer tons of hiking trails and camping grounds. On various scenic routes you can encounter Mount Moses, the historic Seaview Hospital and New York Farm Colony which also is rumored to be haunted. By walking along South Beach you can view fireworks on certain nights, featured all summer long.

History.

Historic Richmond town, Fort Wadsworth, the Kreischer Mansion, the Tibetian Museum, the Children's Museum and much more. There are numerous sights you can view in Staten Island that hold significant meaning. One of the oldest houses in all of New York is located in Staten Island from Dutch Colonial times owned by Historic Richmond Town. Fort Wadsworth’s land was used for military purposes during the American Revolution and continues to offer numerous sights.

Food.

The food, this is why we are all gaining weight. The amount of places to buy food is insane. Only in Staten Island will you find two delis, multiple Pizzeria's, and Chinese food restaurants located across the street from one another or even directly next door. Talk about competition. Although there can be two bagel stores located side by side, business continues to boom. Staten Islanders stick to their favorites when it comes to ordering, and are loyal customers through and through. Not to mention, there are food versions of holy days of obligation, like Joey Tuesdays? We’re so there. We'll also be sure to stop by Deninos, Arrirang, and Fushimi a couple times a month as well.

Things to do.

“There’s nothing to do on this island," stop right there, because you are wrong. Staten Island actually has tons of things to do if we allow ourselves to be exposed to it. Staten Island has parks, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums, ice skating rinks, bars, restaurants, sports facilities, an indoor trampoline park, live theatre, volunteer opportunities and we are soon to be home to the largest ferris wheel in the world. And if none of that satisfies you, you can catch the ferry into St. George Manhattan for endless opportunities. Like anything else, it is what you make of it, so stop giving Staten Island such a bad rep.

The Boardwalk.

A great destination to hang out with your friends and talk for hours, eat Ben &Jerry’s, or spend time outside with a significant other. Although the boardwalk should add some rides and games, it is more popular than you would think especially on summer nights. The Boardwalk stretches 2.5 miles long and also is a great morning jog.

Schools.

High school galore! Everyone can go to a different high school with the wide variety of public, catholic, and private education programs offered, and theres no wonder why its impossible to know everyone. Staten Island is home to three four-year institutions including College of Staten Island, Wagner College, and St. Johns University. Each school has great programs to offer, along with beautiful campuses that are fairly close to one another. Education is taken seriously in much of Staten Island and chances are you will run into your teacher once or twice after you graduate.

Nightlife for Pre-teens/teens.

If you are between the ages of 12-17 you are living life to the fullest on Staten Island. Friday and Saturday nights are crazy, between the movie theater the Atrium, Roller-jam USA, ice skating, Bowling at Rab's or Showplace, there are also pre-teen clubs such as Eve Ultra Lounge. Or, you may have sleepovers with your friends consisting of late night trips to Wendy’s. On this island, being a preteen/teen isn’t so bad... even if you have braces.

Transportation.

We have the best of both worlds, it is easy to get around by driving and we have fantastic public transportation. A free train that takes you from one side of the island all the way to the other? Unheard of? Nope, not here. The Staten Island Railroad operates sevens days a week and is a great form of transportation to get to the majority of popular places quickly. Not to mention getting off at St. George Ferry terminal and catching a free and quick 20 minute boat ride to Manhattan is pretty sweet.

Sports.

Home of the Minor League Baseball team the Staten Island Yankees, sports has a very big influence on Islanders like Fast Break Basketball, Babe Ruth Baseball, Athletic Edge Gymnastics, Richmond Aquatics Center, and United soccer travel team just to name a few well known sports organizations and facilities. Every year, high school sports teams compete with one another and showcases athletes for the opportunities to be scouted all across the country. The number of talented athletes bred here continues to grow.

The Arts.

Staten Island has a great art influence that stretches further than a seven mile range. The St. George Theater holds hundreds of shows each year bringing audiences from all over. Not to mention youth theatrics that offer programs allowing students to pursue their inner talent. Public School 22 student chorus were featured in a special performance with Martina McBride. Susan E. Wagner Theatre Program was featured in Teens on Broadway. There are tons of growing middle school programs putting on theatric shows each year. There is an endless range of opportunities if you are looking to get involved in the arts on this "small island".

So now you know the facts that we aren't all spray tanned, and featured on reality television shows. Check Staten Island out at some point, you may be pleasantly surprised. What you see isn't always what you get.