Let me just start with a disclaimer that I was not born here, but I still call Texas my home. I always was negative Nancy when it came to Texas though. However, it wasn't until I got closer and closer to move in day (and moving to a whole different state) that I started to appreciate the things that Texas has taught me. As I get ready to start packing my things I've started to reminisce about all the things I love about Texas, so these are the top 3 things I am most grateful to have been taught while growing up in the great state of Texas.

3. Tolerance for the heat

Granted you find this in most southern states, I have learned to deal with stepping outside and starting to sweat immediately. Having 30+ days of summer being 100+ degrees outside is something that many people don't get the wonderful opportunity to experience, so I feel like no matter where else I go even if it is hotter than it is here I can handle it and be a trooper through it.

2. Manners and Compassion

Southern hospitality is something that I always believed to be a myth. It wasn't until I was 16 and traveled to Philadelphia and New York that I realized it wasn't a myth. People up north just don't offer the same manners as the ones you're accustomed to in the south. There is no "yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes sir, no sir", no holding open the door for you (and even if you do there is no thank you), people don't just smile and wave at you when you pass them by, which are all things that I do or try to do. It's just not the same to go away and not get that southern hospitality.

1. Football

LSU wasn't always my number 1 choice, but when starting my college process, having a school with a well established football program was number one on my priority list when picking a college. Texas gave me that. Football is the number one sport in Texas and I love it. Through my college process I lost sight and got sidetracked by the idea of NYC, however some how I got back on track and couldn't be happier to be going to a school with one of the best and biggest football programs.