All children are subjected to the same question; "what do you want to be when you grow up?" In 18 years my answer hasn't changed. I want to work for the Boston Red Sox. Although my original plan was to attend a school in the city, my wanderlust got the best of me. To my parents surprise, I recently began my college education at the University of Alabama. While I have grown to love the South, I often find myself reminiscing about the places I've left behind. Growing up in New England has shaped my entire personality, and the lessons I've learned will stay with me forever.
1. Sports have the power to unite a community.
Although the United States is home to hundreds of professional sports teams, there is something unique about New England. Many areas of the country don't have local teams, and residents end up supporting whoever is convenient. In states like Alabama, college football is everything. While fans here may be invested, they've never felt the community spirit that pulses throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and (sometimes) Connecticut. We are a region united.
2. Patience is everything.
We waited 86 years for a World Series Championship. Despite decades of frustration, Red Sox fans never let "the curse" diminish their loyalty. I was born into a family who preached the values of patience. As a New Englander, I'm a repeat offender of holding on until there is nothing left to hold on to.
3. Respect is not optional.
Rivalry is in our blood. We cringe at the sight of a Yankees hat and snap whenever someone insults our lord and savior, Tom Brady. However, even with our polarizing opinions, respect has always been of upmost importance. While the south is praised for their hospitality, we are often cast to the side as rude and sarcastic. We may move at a faster pace but we are human beings capable of immense kindness.
4. Boston accents are nothing to be ashamed of.
Many New Englanders claim that they don't have the stereotypical Boston accent. While not all of us sound like Mark Wahlberg, we are prone to many similar patterns of speech. When I moved to Alabama it took strangers less than two minutes of listening to me talk to determine what part of the country I'm from. At first I cut down on my use of the word "wicked," but now I'm proud to be labeled as a Bostonian.
5. New England food is the best in the country.
I treasure food. When it comes to trying something new, "no thank you" is not in my vocabulary. That being said, I've tried enough food to determine what is worthy of my time. New England is home to the lobster roll. What else needs to be said?
6. Real passion is tangible.
Growing up, I often described myself as "passionate," and a little "intense." Now that I've lived long enough to meet people from all regions of the country, I've learned that passion is the common denominator between all New Englanders. Whether we are parading the streets of Boston or simply waiting in line at Mike's Pastry, our enthusiasm and love cannot be contended with.
7. Four distinct seasons make the world a better place.
Yes, we complain. We complain when we're trapped in our driveways under five feet of snow. We complain when it's 80 degrees and our iced coffee melts as soon as we step outside. But if there's anything we're proud of, it's our climate. New England is famous for four distinct changes throughout the year. These changes, while challenging at times, are truly God's gift to the North. There is something rejuvenating about fresh starts and we get them four times a year.
8. Coffee is a major food group.
The first time I went to a Dunkin Donuts outside of New England was an eye-opener. People in other parts of the country treat coffee like a past time. Coffee is a living. We know how we want it, when we want it, and exactly where to get it. To enter a Starbucks is an act of treachery. At home I was always within a two mile radius of at least three Dunks. (Another term outsiders don't understand.) Now that I've left, I am severely disappointed in the rest of the country. Please, get your act together and sell more coffee.
9. A life without adventure is a life wasted.
I am a victim of wanderlust. I was born with the constant need to get up and go. For people like me, New England is the perfect place to live. In only a few hours I can drive to the mountains, to the ocean, or to the city. We live in a beautiful country, but our little region may just be the best.
10. Our roots define who we are.
Whether we are athletes or college students, we always find our way back home. New England is a special place. Once a Bostonian, always a Bostonian.
