All of my friends know that I take pride in the fact that I’m from Colorado (in my opinion, it’s the best state ever). I love driving down the street and seeing the beautiful Rocky Mountains (they only two hours away), not having humidity (unlike the East Coast), and being able to say that I live 5,280 feet above sea level (people from Colorado love being able to say this so much that we made it the title of a magazine). However, whenever someone assumes I can be categorized into one of the stereotypes of my state, it drives me crazy. To help debunk these stereotypes, here are seven things people from Colorado are tired of hearing.

1. You guys ride horses to school, right?

Just because Colorado is out west doesn’t mean we all have cowboy hats, boots, and ride our horses to school. We have regular transportation just like everyone else.

2. Everyone must ski or snowboard.

Not everyone likes to ski or snowboard. There are plenty of other things to do in the mountains if skiing or snowboarding is not your thing (like snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, etc.).

3. So you all must be stoners.

Like in any state, you can find anything you want to do. Yes, marijuana is legal here if you're 21 or older, but not everyone does it. Be like Nancy Reagan and "just say no" to drugs.

4. You must live in arctic cold because it snows all the time.

False. Denver actually gets more sunshine than Miami, and when it does snow, it melts the next day. Because it's always so sunny in Denver, when it's not sunny outside, we all are a little less willing to get out of bed (at least I am).

5. Everyone's a hippie.

I'm all for peace and love, but that doesn't mean I only wear tie-dye, peace sign necklaces, and Birkenstocks.

6. What's so special about Red Rocks?

Uhm, I think this picture says it all. Red Rocks is one of the most beautiful outdoor amphitheater in the country. If you're there for a concert, the breathtaking views of the city and the sunsets will leave you speechless. Not only can you see concerts at Red Rocks, you can also do yoga and watch a movie (I know, it sounds a little crazy).

7. There's nothing to do in Colorado so you must be bored all the time.

I can even being to tell you how wrong this is. There are so many things to do in Colorado! Whether you want to go climb a 14er (a mountain that's 14,000 ft high), see a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, visit the Molly Brown House, or watch the 50th Super Bowl Champion, the Denver Broncos, you'll never be bored (so hop on a plane or get in the car, and come explore)!