I'm 20-years-old and I was born and raised in the good ol' mitten. When I got to my college (also in Michigan) it was interesting to see that a lot of aspects of my life that were absolutely normal to me weren't actually normal for a lot of other people--it's just because I'm from Michigan. Here are some things that can assure you that you are most definitely a Michigan native.

1. When someone asks where you're from you point to somewhere on your hand

Then when you're talking to someone that isn't from Michigan they give you a small look of panic when you point to your hand because they have no idea what's going on.

2. You've been spoiled with freshwater swimming

And the best part is that it's kind of like the perks of an ocean with that summer sun on the horizon, but not needing to smack salt off your lips after a dip in an ocean.

3. You know it's possible to live in a beach town and still experience every season

I'm from Grand Haven, so obviously I'm biased, but you know countless towns pop up on the shores of the Great Lakes that experience the same types of things. South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Muskegon, Silver Lake? And that's just West Michigan, we are a peninsula for a reason. I have swum in the big lake during the summer and then walked on it six months later when it's frozen over.

4. You know Lake Michigan has the best sunsets

And they're one of your favorite summertime activities.

5. You know that Olga's is one of the best restaurants that has ever existed

Mediterranean influenced food, usually located in malls so you can eat there when you're done shopping, orange coolers, snackers, need I continue? Feta cheese on salads--yes, I needed to continue. My family and I all have our orders completely memorized when we go. I haven't looked at a menu in years. It's just...mmm.

6. When you needed pop --yes, it's "pop"-- Faygo was there.

Rock N Rye anybody?

7. When your stomach hurt, Vernors was there

Vernors floats? Mmm.

8. You were very confused the first time you ventured way outside the mitten and realized that Meijer wasn't a national thing

I'm partial to Meijer. It just makes sense to me. They built a Wal-Mart directly across the street from Meijer in my home town and I never go there. The first time I went outside of Michigan I asked my mom if we could go to Meijer and she laughed at me and I didn't know why. I get it now. It's just so normal for me.

9. Euchre is a typical family reunion activity and you know how to pronounce it

My sister actually had a euchre tournament for her high school graduation party. I've played it at Thanksgiving and Easter get-togethers with the fam so many times. It's glorious. Also, you know two things to be true when looking at the picture above: You will either 1) never ever be fortunate enough to get a literal perfect hand in general or 2) if you are blessed by the euchre gods with this glowing hand, your partner is going to call hearts or diamonds as trump. Just accept it.

10. You know that Kalamazoo is, in fact, an actual city in Michigan

I go to Kalamazoo College -- which is an actual school now that you're getting specific, and no, not the community college -- so I better know about this place.

11. You know how to pronounce "Mackinac"

And you get really annoyed when people pronounce it wrong.

12. You also know that Mackinac Island is actually one of the coolest places you've ever been

If you've never been, the method of transportation is either by horse or by bike--there are no civilian cars. The fudge is actually to die for. Just go. Trust me.

13. You know who "Yoopers" are

I'll give you a hint, they're natives of the Upper Peninsula.

14. Experiencing multiple seasons in one week--or one day, let's be real--is very normal to you

Just because it's normal doesn't mean you're okay with it. I am in constant conversation with "Michigan" when spring and fall roll around. "Really Michigan? It was 70 degrees on Tuesday and now I'm wearing my winter coat."

15. You laugh whenever southern states freak out about a couple inches of snow

^^ still has school.

16. Whether you're into sports or not, you still hate Ohio

This would be me. I saw someone with an Ohio State bumper sticker in Ann Arbor and I've never been more confused in my life. Why would you do that to yourself?

17. And when you are into sports, it's not uncommon to have family feuds when it's the Michigan/Michigan State game

This would be my relatives

18. You also refer to spring and summer as "construction season"

I don't think I remember a summer where I didn't have to face some form of construction on my usual drives.

19. Hudsonville ice cream is one of the only ice creams you really buy

And most of the names are inspired by Michigan, so like, that's pretty awesome.

20. Most of our vacations involve "going up north"

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Burt Lake

Torch Lake

"Up north" is very vague. Just keep driving friends. We have a lot of lakes.

Michigan is home and after I've tried to travel and "see the world" I know it always will be. My fondest moments will always be my numerous trips up north, summers going to Lake Michigan and Mackinac Island, and coming home to play euchre with my family. At the end of the day, I'm a proud native of this good ol' mitten. It's pretty amazing if I do say so myself.