Born and raised in the scorching state of Texas, I was raised to hold the door open for strangers, respond “yes ma’am, yes sir” and to never make plans on a Sunday. You see, growing up in a state the size of some countries, it becomes hard to leave and experience what the real world has to offer. For three young boys, it becomes easy to grow accustomed to the smiles, the handshakes and the sweet iced tea at dinner. So as you could imagine, it was a huge wake-up call when my younger brothers and I moved to Mountain Lakes, New Jersey last fall.

However, the call we were woken up by might be one shocking to popular opinion. Although we lost our country music, and will now need a jacket for all four seasons, the north could not have been more welcoming. Unlike the south, you guys actually care about each other! Where I’m from we chuckle a laugh and force a “good morning” to hide the struggles happening all around us. In just a mere 4 months in the Garden State, I have established connections dissimilar to anything I could have imagined. Whether it be your quirky use of language, or your constant fear of the sun, this frozen land known as the “northeast” has provided me & my family with memories and opportunities that will last a lifetime.

Next year I will be attending New York University. The past three months have been a constant cycle of anxiety and hope, with the words “New Yorkers don’t stop for anyone” replaying in my head. But with the help of a soccer team, a cheerleader, and even a little luck, I have come to know that the north is only what you make it be. Before my move across the nation, I would have categorized you all in three simple words: rude, frozen, and conceited. But after taking off my shades, dusting off the dirt, and tasting my first Taylor Ham bagel, I now know you are much more than your weather. The North may not slow down for anyone, but once you unwrap the stereotypes and get your timing down, you uncover a group of indistinguishable people who will change your life. So yes, unlike you may have predicted, this Texan could not be more proud to say, “I’m from the Garden State,” and I am proud.

However, you guys aren’t completely perfect; I listed some key differences between the north and the south below.

Here is a list of all things you guys messed up:

1. Jughandles

Why not just make a left turn?

2. NO WHATABURGER

Just look it up.

3. Barbecue

Hamburgers and Hot Dogs do not belong at a barbecue. Ribs do.

4. AC

I know it’s cold but c’mon people.

5. Honking

No matter how many times you press it, I’m not going to go any faster.

Here is a list of everything you did right:

1. Bagels

Wow, they are good.

2. Gas

I still cannot believe we don’t pump our own gas.

3. The Shore

It’s freezing but where else can you find a beach 30 minutes away?

4. NYC

Weekend trips to the Big Apple? I think yes.

5. Four Seasons

It may be cold but for the first time, leaves change color is incredible.