I grew up in a small town, in a small state. The majority of Nevada is either: land covered in cows, land covered in sagebrush, or land with casinos built on it. Growing up, I never really thought anything of it. I just thought this was life. However, there are a few things you were accustomed to growing up in Nevada that you may have never realized:

1. People Get Excited About Casinos

Standing at any four-way stop in my home town, I can turn in any direction and see a Casino. Some of the best restaurants in Nevada are Casinos. And you can bet that no matter how small the town, even towns where graduating classes are in the single digits, there will be a Casino.

2. Two Words: Open Container

As a college student at Washington State University, I am all about having a good time. However, my first summer here, when I wanted to stroll from party to party with a drink in my hand, my friends were so confused. Then when they explained open container laws to me, I was confused. How are you supposed to bar hop without a drink for the walk? Thank you Nevada for understanding.

3. People Don't Know People Like We Know People

In Nevada, telling people your last name will explain more than you will ever need to say. From Wells to Carson City to Henderson, telling someone nothing but my last name will give them the ability to write my whole family tree. We know our neighbors and more importantly we know when anything significant happens in their lives, whether they want us to or not. However, we unfailingly love and support our neighbors in whatever way we can without asking.

4. Vegas Doesn't Count

Vegas is the weird, crazy, embarrassing uncle in the family that we kinda wish would go away forever, but we can't imagine our family without. Vegas could not be more opposite than the rest of Nevada. Growing up in Northern Nevada or even Central Nevada, you probably only went to Vegas a couple times growing up, and usually for the National Finals Rodeo. While we cannot imagine our state without Vegas (because quite frankly our economy couldn't survive without it), there are times (elections) where we really just wish it would become part of California.

5. Being A Nevadan Is Everything You Are

I grew up loving the people around me, I grew up caring about their well-being, and just doing things for the people around me. I grew up with a faith and with morals that were taught from my parents, who were taught the same by theirs. I understand the value of hard work and I understand why businesses close down on Sunday's. I truly believe all of my core beliefs, everything that I am, is because I am a Nevadan, and I could not be more proud to say it.

I might have moved away from Nevada, I might never have a Nevada address again. But I do know that for 18 years, my first 18 years, I could not have been more blessed. No matter where I move, no matter what I accomplish, I know I will always, first and foremost, be a Nevadan.