It’s true. Up until a few years ago, I was lucky enough to call the good ole’ Garden State my home, and I couldn’t be more proud. I’ve lived through 18 snowy winters, 18 shore-filled summers, and hundreds of Taylor ham, egg, and cheese mornings. Although we’ve parted ways, Jersey and I will have an everlasting connection until the day I die.

For those who have labeled New Jersey as the “armpit of the nation," you couldn’t be more ignorant. Our small state is the most densely populated, home to about nine million citizens, for a reason. We really have it all, from the farmlands of southern Jersey, the beloved waves of Long Beach Island, all the way to the heart of north Jersey suburbia. The bagels are incredible, the Chinese food is incomparable, the v-necks are deep, and let’s face it — we’ve pretty much mastered the idea of a good time. After all, fist pumping is kind of our thing, right?

You may not even realize it, but some of your favorite celebrities are native to the Land of the Free and Home of the Jerz. To name a few, we’ve got Queen Latifah, Bruce Springsteen (Obviously), John Travolta, Meryl Streep, Whitney Houston, Shaq, the Jonas Brothers, Kevin Spacey – need I say more? On top of those names, some celebrities actually CHOOSE to live in New Jersey because of the gorgeous beaches, magnificent estates, terrific food, and close proximity to Manhattan. Some of these guys include Jay-Z and Beyonce, Eddie Murphy, Mary J. Blige, Rev. Run, Russell Simmons, Bon Jovi, the NY Jets, the NY Giants, and, of course, the Real Housewives of NJ. If my homeland is so “dirty” and “gross” and “trashy,” then why would all of these big names choose to call this place home too? I guess New Jersey isn’t so bad after all, haters.

Nestled right outside of NYC, I was lucky enough to have grown up in Bergen County, which is found in the Northeastern area of New Jersey. There I was exposed to a plethora of diversity, fruitful culture, three of the biggest malls in the country, and a fast-paced, ambitious lifestyle. The education system in New Jersey ranks number two in the nation behind Massachusetts, and tops the list for the highest average GDP of all 50 states. I was privileged enough to have it all in Bergen County, and would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else. My New Jersey upbringing has helped me to form a determined, stubborn, passionate, and upbeat demeanor that will be the foundation of the woman I become. And guess what? I feel so blessed.

We stick together in New Jersey, from the rising above the destruction of our shores to finding a way to pay off those sky-high taxes. We're generally loud, aggressive drivers, and love a great diner. The best part is that we have some of the least expensive gas in the nation, and we don't even pump it ourselves! When we find each other in any other place in the world, we form an instant bond, because we just understand each other. Deep down, you know you love us. It’s a little thing we like to call #JerseyStrong.