The old saying "you never know what you have till it's gone" is something most college kids don't think about when they decide to leave their home state. More than anything, they just want to get away their hometown and everything associated with it. They need a change of scenery, a chance to explore somewhere new. Or, they just can't deal with the idea of staying close to home.
However, once they feel the urge to come home because they miss the familiarity of their home state, they realize just how much they left behind.
After being raised in Massachusetts my whole life, I decided to leave and go to school in Virginia. I was in desperate need of a change of pace and that's exactly what I got when I moved down south. It's great. It wasn't until mid-fall semester of freshman year that I really did miss home. Virginia and Massachusetts are so different, and I love them both. Nevertheless, MA will always have my heart. Being away at school really made me realize just how great Massachusetts is.
So, here are the top ten reasons why Massachusetts is the best state ever:
1. The Accent
The classic Boston accent. As soon as we step out of MA, people are enthralled by the way we speak. From our iconic dropping of Rs to the way we say "wicked" five times a sentence, people everywhere love to hear the accent. I cannot count the number of times I've been asked to say "Pahk the cah in the Havahd yahd". *DISCLAIMER* you can't "pahk the cah in the Havahd yahd" because the "yahd" is grass.
2. The Food
Clam Chowder (or Chowdah). Boston Creme Pie. Parker House Rolls. Those are just a few of the classic dishes that originated in MA. Massachusetts has the perfect blend of food from every culture, Boston especially. Boston's North End has some of the most authentic Italian food one can find outside of Italy. If you ever find yourself in the North End, make sure you stop by Mike's Pastry to get one of their famous cannolis. Trust me, it will change your life for the better.
3. The Sports Teams
Seven words. THE PATRIOTS JUST WON THE SUPER BOWL. After making Super Bowl history for the best comeback and the first Super Bowl to ever go into overtime, Tom Brady and the rest of the Pats have yet another ring to add to their collection. The "Drive for Five" was successful and shut down all the haters. Brady really proved that he is, in fact, the GOAT (greatest of all time) with a recording breaking five Super Bowl rings. Of course, the Bruins, the Red Sox, and the Celtics are fantastic teams as well; each team with numerous wins and championships under their belts.
However, the best part of Boston sports teams are the fans. Nowhere else will you ever find more loyal fans than Boston fans. Boston fans go hard for every game, dressed head to toe in team paraphernalia, they sit through the harshest of weather conditions to root for the home team.
4. The Government
Massachusetts has always made great strides when it comes to passing legislations that promote the acceptance of everyone. MA was the first state in the U.S. to legalize gay marriage and one of the first states to sue the federal government over Trump's Immigration Ban. With everything that has been happening recently in the political world, Massachusetts has remained a place where legislators are fighting to make sure everyone remains safe and with equal rights. For that, I'm so proud to call this state home.
5. The Celebs
Some of Hollywood's brightest stars are from this great state. Matt Damon, Chris Evans, Ben and Casey Affleck, Amy
6. The History
If you didn't already know, Massachusetts is saturated in history. From the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth rock to the Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts has set the stage for some of the nation's most important historical events.
7. Boston In General
Honestly, Boston is one of the best cities in the world. There is always something to do in the city. Whether it be going to the New England Aquarium, perusing around the North End, shopping on Newbury Street, going on the swan boats in the Boston Public Garden, or walking the Freedom Trail, Boston really has something for everyone.
8. The Places
Massachusetts has a little bit of everything. It is a very geographically diverse state. There is Cape Cod, which is a popular tourist destination in the summer. The Cape is home to some of the best beaches in the state and is a really great place to go for a weekend or just a quick day trip with friends. It is totally worth sitting through hours upon hours of Cape traffic. In the western part of the state lies ninety miles of the Appalachian Trail, which is fantastic for an extended camping trip or a fun day hike.
9. The Seasons
The entirety of New England is known across the country for its radical range in weather. Massachusetts, in particular, sees some of the most diverse seasons in the country. In the winter, Massachusetts natives are buried in snow. And I mean BURIED. In the winter of 2014-2015 Massachusetts saw 110.6 inches of snow. Kids loved it because that meant snow days galore, but being snowed in for days on end got boring really fast.
In the spring, mild weather sweeps over the state, melting the snow from the previous months. Spring is a time where people shake off the winter blues and it gets everyone excited for the upcoming summer. In the summer, kids come home from school and families get to spend some serious quality time together.
Fall is by far the prettiest season in MA. The leaves on the trees turn rich shades red, orange, yellow and brown. People from everywhere flock to New England to admire the gorgeous foliage.
10. The People
The best part of Massachusetts is the people. We tend to get a bad rep from the rest of the country for being rude and cold, but that's not the case. People from Massachusetts are passionate and hard working. We are beyond loyal and capable of amazing things. When the Boston Marathon Bombings occurred, the entire state banded together in support of our capital city and was able to accomplish the impossible. Boston Strong isn't just a saying, it's a lifestyle. It's proof that the people of Massachusetts are some of the strongest and most determined individuals in the country.
And I couldn't be happier to be one of them.
