Many of us are always talking about how much we want to travel, to explore, and to live anywhere other than where we grew up. While I am all for freedom and exploring independence, I always feel as if we should sometimes take a step back and thank where we came from because, after all, it is our home. There tends to be some negative opinions about my home state, Illinois, although I’m sure it’s like that anywhere you go. So I decided to highlight five parts of Illinois that remind me of my home and everything it has to offer.

1. In Illinois, you experience all of the seasons. In California you have spring and summer all year round, and in Alaska you have winter all year round for the most part, but here in Illinois we get to experience spring, summer, fall, and winter in all of their glory. We’ve seen snow since we were infants, and unlike many other people from other states, we’ve learned how to drive in it and survive in 12-plus inches. As the winter months drag on, we have the hope of spring and summer right around the corner, when thunderstorms arrive and 90 degree weather is on its way. Before transitioning back into winter we get to experience the beauty of fall: crisp, cool days filled with apple cider, pumpkins, and lots of leaves. I’d say we are pretty lucky to be able to live in a place that allows us to experience every season in its entirety.
2. Take your pick, city life or country life. Illinois welcomes all kinds of people. Those who are city goers and constantly crave the energy of the fast-paced bright light cities filled with people on every corner can find a home instantly in Illinois. Maybe in Chicago, maybe Aurora, Naperville, and the list goes on and on. At the same time, those seeking a quiet, relaxed life tucked away in the comfort of the countryside can also find what they are looking for here. Illinois doesn’t force you to pick one and adapt to it; you are free to pick the one you like best or you can even move around, jumping back and forth through the city and the country side without ever having to cross the Illinois state border.
3. Who doesn’t like Chicago-style food? We’ve got deep dish, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef wherever you go! I’ll let the food speak for itself!
4. Illinois has blessed us with the Chicago Blackhawks. Yes, we have the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, and the Bulls, but the Chicago Blackhawks have the most dedicated fans out there, and let’s not forget to mention their phenomenal seasons the last few years. For those who love sports, there’s nothing quite like watching the Blackhawks and being able to witness them bring home the Stanley Cup more than once.
5. You get to say you live in the Corn Belt. What’s better than that? Everywhere you go, people always ask you, “Oh, they grow a lot of corn there, right?” especially if you are talking to someone who lives on the opposite side of the country. Illinois is known for its massive amounts of corn production, and it’s kind of funny thinking that people refer to it as the Corn Belt. At least it’s original!

While you are constantly getting frustrated with the way the government is run, think about these five positive sides of Illinois. It does have something to offer.