Going to school in another state is always a little difficult. Yes, you may have the time of your life, but you also have to deal with moving all of your stuff, on top of a long drive and or plane ride. Then you also have the struggle of getting home, or being away from home when you're sick. The. Literal. Worst.

However, being from New England, in particular, Massachusetts, we have an added difficulty. Everyone knows how into their sports teams New England is. We also happen to have a MASSIVE rivalry with New York sports teams. Now, going to school in New York makes celebrating your teams a little hard.

For example, in the Superbowl last year, the Patriots were playing, and when we lost to the Broncos, a huge cheer went around the room. So while I am mourning the loss of my beloved Patriots, and the record that was clawed so harshly from Tom Brady's grasp, everyone else was figuratively swimming and having the time of their lives in my tears. No, I am not being dramatic. You're being dramatic.

So I decided that this year I would make it my mission to spread my Massachusetts influence as much as possible.

1. Stick an enormous Red Sox magnet to the fridge

I mean enormous. Its bigger than my face. The best part? It goes right in the common room where everyone can see it. Three of my roomates are Mets fans, one is a Yankees fan, and my roomate is a Rockies fan, which is just icing on top of the cake.

2. Put Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox posters up

Just a sprinkle of Boston pride. We're pretty much better than everyone anyway. I just consider it my duty to society to spread the word!

3. Wear a neon orange "Free Brady" shirt

Because the giant picture of his face just isn't enough. Clearly no one has gotten the point yet, because people are still calling us cheaters. BRADY IS INNOCENT PEOPLE.

4. Act like you have no idea what people are talking about when they say you say things funny

I may not have a Boston accent, but I'll be the first to admit that I say some things differently, or use different words for something. Every time someone questions me over why I said "bubbler" or "wicked" or why I pronounce certain words differently, I just look at them like they're crazy. Who knows, maybe they'll think THEY'VE been saying it wrong!

So if you're in another state from New England, don't be afraid to spread the New England pride! Maybe you'll even turn some people to our side!