As a true "North Cacilackian," I know what it means to claim this beautiful state as my home. There are many things that we as southerners understand. Manners, hospitality, bravery, perseverance, and so much more is drilled into our heads since day one! I remember as a kid every time I would go to my friends house for a sleepover or play date, before I got out of the car my parents always said "Remember yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes sir, no sir!" But as I grew up I learned and experienced many things that I felt should be talked about! Here we go.

1. You know what The Battle of the Blues is.

You either love Duke and Coach Krzyzewski is a role model of yours, or ran around in elementary school singing "Duke is puke, Wake is fake, the one we hate is NC State. Can't go to heaven in a red canoe, 'cause God's favorite color is Carolina blue." If you don't care about either, you avoid nasty comments about both to avoid someone biting your head off.

2. You can properly pronounce Appalachian.

You either couldn't wait to apply to App State, or you wanted to stay as far away from the mountains as possible. Either way you know how to pronounce "Appalachian Mountains" properly.

3. You have enjoyed more than one family dinner from a Bo Box.

After long and busy days filled with numerous events, your parents definitely avoided cooking dinner more than once. When they walked through the door with that big yellow box your mouth instantly watered. Gimme them mashed taters.

4. You have had snow days without any snow.

You also probably remember Greg Fishel swimming in the fountain outside WRAL, and you definitely know what I am talking about when I say "the big ice storm." You probably have also had multiple days off school due to fewer than two inches of snow.

5. The majority of your teachers went to ECU.

My favorite teacher went to ECU and she is actually one of the reasons I chose ECU in the first place! Over the summer when I was a camp counselor, to get the kid's attention I would have them yell back "Gold!" after I screamed "Purple!" just like we do here at ECU!

6. You know every word to Wagon Wheel.

Whether you prefer Darius Rucker or Old Crow Medicine Show, you belt those lyrics out as loud as you can every time it is on.

7. You have hit a deer with your car, or know someone who has.

Seriously, they come out of nowhere. You are probably convinced the deer are literally suicidal. I hit a six-pointer with my car a couple years ago and genuinely hoped that every hunter would have a spectacular season.

8. You hate Capital Boulevard with a passion.

Whose great idea was it to make Capital the only route to get anywhere important? Seriously, so not cool.

9. You have worn your winter coat and shorts in the same week.

You have to keep some hot and cold options available all year long because it could be 75 degrees on Monday and 30 degrees on Friday. The only thing you can guarantee is high humidity.

10. No matter how much North Carolina drives you insane, you will defend it 'til you are blue in the face.

You have a special love for North Carolina and all of its flaws. Regardless of the negatives you look forward to summers at the beach, winters in the mountains, and great barbecue all year long.