If you grew up on Kent Island like I did, these are things you will totally understand.

1. You went to Kent Island High School

As a student at KI High, you were going through many changes, attending countless sport games, falling asleep in class, and going to parties that would get busted just past midnight. You either had amazing teachers who you remember fondly, or teachers whose names still make you shiver with fright. But it was always a, "Great Day to be a Buccaneer!"

2. The old McDonalds was always the "hangout spot"

Especially after KI High football games, you could always find everyone at the old McDonalds. The parking lot was always packed with trucks, teenagers, and something always went down under the golden arches.

3. Trying to explain to people, not from Kent Island, where Kent Island is located.

Do you know where the Bay Bridge is located? No? Twenty minutes from Annapolis...? Umm no, Kent Island is not by Ocean City.

4. You ALWAYS saw someone you knew at the local supermarkets or gas stations

Whether it be Safeway, Food Lion, Shore Stop etc. there was always someone that you knew when you went out, and 99.999% of the time you probably looked your worse.

5. Beach days at Terrapin/Matapeake beach were the best

During the summertime, sun tanning, swimming, and walking through the beautiful parks were always pleasurable. Both Matapeake Beach and Terrapin Park are filled with beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Bay Bridge. Not only having relaxing beaches, both parks have nature trails, picnic areas, and dog beaches as well!

6. You ALWAYS went across the Bay Bridge for something to do.

Whether you were shopping at the Annapolis Mall, going bowling, seeing a movie, or doing anything else that is "fun" you would have to drive across the Bay Bridge. Plus, you would have to ask to borrow your parent's EZ Pass, or find cash for the bridge toll.

7. You spent some time out on the water.

At some point you have been water skiing, tubing, fishing, crabbing, swimming, kayaking, and/or paddle boarding, on the Chesapeake Bay or one of the many rivers including the Chester River, and Eastern Bay.

8. The word snow meant "Apocalypse"!

When winter rolls around on Kent Island, people lose their minds. If the word, "snow" comes out of the weather man's mouth, you best believe that the grocery store will be out of toilet paper, water, batteries, and pretty much everything else. When less than 1 inch falls on the ground, the roads get way over salted, and school is cancelled for at least 5 days. On these snow days, you can find kids sledding on the notorious K-Mart hill.

9. The sandwich/ coffee shop you frequented, knew your order when you walked in the door.

From the coffee of Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks to the sandwiches of LPD/Subway/Capriotti's, if you went into either establishment more than 5 times, the employees knew you, your order, your life, and made you feel very special.

10. Tourist traffic in the summer made you scream.

Route 50 passes right through Kent Island, and at the end of Route 50 is Ocean City. With the popularity of vacationing in Ocean City during the summer rising, the traffic increases more and more. With fancy new traffic apps, tourists have located Kent Island's back roads, and cause them to be backed up for hours. Islander's either stay inside, or are filled with complete road rage when trying to go places.

11. The people you grew up with are still your best friends.

With only few elementary schools, the friends you made while you were young, were still your best friends when you reached high school graduation. If you were lucky, these early childhood friends are still some of the best friends that you will have for the rest of your life.

12. The Island is a hub for all things gossip.

Since it is a very small place to live, everybody knows everyone's business, and they WILL gossip about it.

13. And you know there's no place like home.

Growing up on Kent Island was a fascinating, enjoyable, knowledgeable, and humbling experience. With lifelong friends, close family, and especially Kent Island sunsets, there is certainly no place like home .