Leaving the Utah “bubble” I had a lot of fears and anxiety. Growing up in Utah we are surrounded by a culture that is very unique and genuine. We are different from the other 49 states. Everybody knows us as the “Mormons” However, that is not true. 60% of the population is actually LDS but only 34-40% are actually truly active.

In Utah we have a lot of different cultures and diversity. We are not just the “Mormon” State. We are a diverse state. People travel all over the world to visit us. To see wonderful grand canyons and to feel our amazing snow! We have a lot to offer to the world.

Growing up in Utah we are considered sheltered and living in a bubble. The rest of the country thinks of us as innocent people. Now, living in Orlando, Florida where there is much MORE diversity I can easily say that you know what? I don’t mind living in the “bubble.” Yes, I see the world differently but I am grateful that I have an environment to come back to that I know that I won't mind raising my kids in. I hear words that I typically don’t hear a lot in Utah. Makes me uncomfortable in some ways, however, I do know that everyone has the ability to make their own decisions and if they choose to speak that way I shouldn’t judge and I won't.

The thing that I find most fascinating is that when people ask me where I am from I say Utah and they take a step back and say, “Oh, sorry.” And move on. You know what? Don’t feel sorry for me. I live in a beautiful place with comfort knowing that I can have a fun family activity even though I don’t have a family of my own just yet I can still manage to find those fun safe activities at a reasonable cost.

So, when people ask you where you are from don’t sit there and be like it’s okay it’s fine. Be proud that you live in such a beautiful state where you can hunt, fish, hike, ski, snowboard. We can even go river rafting if we go far enough south. There are so many things that kids outside of Utah don’t get to experience. Yeah, maybe we're considered the “Mormon” state but you know what? We aren’t. Not really. The church is only the minority. There are a lot more religions now than just the LDS faith. You know what? Mormons are not all that bad.

The next time someone asks you where you are from? Be proud of your state and find something that you love and say hey. I love living here and here is why. Don’t be afraid because others have heard rumors or have heard crazy stories from the news. Expand their minds and show them that your state has a lot more to offer than just the evening news or the gossip train. Stand up and be proud to say that I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and I love it here.