Massachusetts is a state with such rich history and culture that I was bound to write about the state I was born in at one point or another. While I may not have grown up around these parts, being back for college has definitely shown me the shining qualities of the state and has given me a better understanding as to why so many people chose to make this their home state forever. Whether it be the mutual feeling of camaraderie through the many successful sports teams, the lack of knowing what a blinker is, or the beautiful seasonal changes in Massachusetts this state is definitely one cool place to live in. Here are 10 reasons why I think Massachusetts is such an amazing place to grow up in, and what I feel about the state having pretty much lived here for 3 ongoing years now.

1. My college is in Massachusetts.

It may be a little easy for me to use that as my first example, but that's only because of how true it is. I live in Florida when I'm not attending college up north so I always get extremely excited when I buy my ticket to get back up to New England. Curry College, while being mostly surrounded by suburban housing and trees in Milton, provides a little niche where the small campus isn't constantly being flooded by tourists or random pedestrians. Milton is comfortably quiet in a lot of senses, and there's really no better campus than ours to experience the first cool nights of summer and then the gorgeous fall days.

2. I was born here and have a lot of family history in Massachusetts.

My family has their roots in the state of Massachusetts dating back at least 3 generations, and it seems only fitting that I've come back to the state to complete college, and experience places I never did during my childhood. Massachusets has accepted me back with open and loving arms like a prodigal child returned to his rightful place. It's spooky how comfortable I've become about living in Massachusetts, and the slight Boston accent I can't help but adopt whenever I hang around too much with people who grew up here. But it's also the family history that enriches this place, especially when I'm around Quincy and can't help but imagine how all of this has changed throughout the years.

3. Sports are only made better by the crazy fans here.

This fact may be true in many states, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a state like Massachusetts that celebrates sports with such fervor and enthusiasm. Be it rooting for the Celtics, cheering on the insanely popular New England Patriots, catching a Red Sox game in Fenway Park, or watching the Bruins crush some fools on ice. The teams here are absolutely adored by their fans in every sense and insulting any of these could get you into some hot water. Of course, the people here are so awesome that friendly rivalry can always be repaired with a brew or two.

4. Massachusetts is historically and culturally rich.

Dating back to when New England was founded by pilgrims and the beginning of this nation's history, Boston continues to stand as one of the major economic and social hubs in this country. It's incredible walking down some of the cobblestone streets in the North end of Boston and seeing first hand so much history. Whether visiting the John Quincy Adams house, seeing Plymouth Rock or the Mayflower in Plymouth, or spying the Massachusetts State House, there's never really a lack of things to find should your adventuring spirit get curious.

5. There's a Dunkin' Donuts wherever your soul desires.

Dunkies is the fuel that not only powers America, but that probably keeps everyone in this state sane. Besides having worked at one myself and seen the not so magical theatrics of what really goes on, I think it's harder to find a chain that people here identify more with and go to on a daily basis. It's hard to wrap your head around the fact that people will drive in arctic conditions during the winter to get an iced coffee, but that's one fact I quickly learned to accept. It's never too cold for a Dunkies iced coffee.

6. Fall colors are absolutely phenomenal.

The foliage is starting to slowly turn into the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds that officially identify that fall is here. The time for pumpkin spice everything is upon us once again and spookiness hangs in the air at night (especially with all this clown nonsense happening around the country.) Crisp autumn mornings are upon us, and the socially acceptable time to start whipping out hot chocolate is one the rise. Personally, this is my favorite time of the year, especially before winter strips all the trees away and it starts to get seriously cold.

7. The North Shore and Cape Cod are always visually stunning.

While there are way too many interesting and beautiful nooks and crannies to count in Massachusetts, the North Shore (especially around Gloucester and Newburyport) is just way too pretty to ever pass up. Throughout my time at Curry College so far I've explored both the North and South coast of Boston to a decent extent, and I can't remember ever being visually disappointed with some of the cities I've seen. This is where the history part comes back too, because really if you pay close enough attention there are some awesome things to see that every city offers.

8. Boston is a cultural, historical, and economic beacon.

One of the many reasons that I was attracted to come to Massachusetts was the endless opportunity that Boston presents. I worked a brief stint as a Starbucks Barista for a while and my favorite part was walking around Boston and feeling the atmosphere the huge metropolitan city gave off. Be it the businessmen running to get to their next deal, students peacefully walking around getting some food, families enjoying the Boston Common, or any other number of things Boston seems to comfortably incorporate. There's a little something for everyone there, and it's far less chaotic than say New York City (plus Bostonians have cooler accents).

9. Winter shenanigans.

While we swear under our breath that summer is over and this year is looking to be doozie according to the Farmer's Almanac, we're all secretly excited for winter. Nothing brings out our mischievous side more than the chance to dump some cold ice down a friend's unsuspecting back, or pelting someone else with some fresh snowballs. Winter is the time for Christmas, hot chocolate, and staying indoors in your pajamas watching movies with friends. Besides, nothing quite beats that first morning when you wake up to see the state so prettily coated in its first snow of the year.

10. The people here are legitimately and certifiably the best.

I can say without a doubt in my mind that I've met some of the most fantastic people in my life who were born in Massachusetts (you can discount me I know I'm amazing even if I didn't grow up here). The people here have always had a slightly aggressive sense of humor combined with their friendliness that make some of the best friends I've ever met. While I like to call my fellow friends out on their Masshole behaviors from time to time, I love them all very dearly and they always bring the best out in every single point I've made above. Thanks for always keeping it real and awesome, guys!