There is no doubt that the saying, "You can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can't take Jersey out of the girl" is completely correct. Growing up in Central Jersey (and yes...it is a real thing) I've always been privileged with eating the best pizza, spending endless summers down the shore, and always having my gas pumped for me. And yes, I still refuse to pump my own gas.

Attending college in Pennsylvania for the past two years, I've learned more about living in a completely different environment than ever before. From a die-hard Jersey Girl's perspective, here are common questions I've been asked while attending college out of state as told by Jersey Shore!

1. "Wait... say 'water' and 'chocolate' again"

Yes, I have a typical New Jersey accent. Yes, I pronounce 'chocolate' like 'chawcolate', and no, I will not repeat myself. Leaving the Central Jersey area where everyone sounds the EXACT same, to an area where people pronounce words in a different way may be a tad awkward at first. There's nothing better than the look you receive when you say that first over-emphasized word that will surely shock any non-New Jersey resident. I promise we aren't crazy.

2. "You're from Jersey? How close do you live to the beach?"

When I first heard that the friends I've made at school who live in PA need to drive at least 2 hours to get to any beach actually broke my heart. Growing up living only 30 minutes away from the Jersey Shore, having the ability to go to the beach at any point throughout the day is something us Jersey girls will always be appreciative of. Seriously, 2 hours away!? That should not be legal.

3. "What's so good about New Jersey food anyway?"

It is not a secret that New Jersey has the best pizza and bagels hands down. There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning and craving a doughy and delicious New Jersey bagel when you are stuck with a flat, chewy, piece of cardboard. Even the differences in food stores can make you feel like you are in a foreign country. Sheetz? Giant? Never heard of em'. Bring me to a Wawa for a 'sub', not a 'hoagie', please!

4. "Why do you have so much road rage?"

In my 20 years of existence, I will never understand how someone does not immediately become irritated when they are cut off while driving. I truly feel sorry for the friends that have driven in the car with me that are not used to the typical New Jersey road rage that we are all accustomed to.

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5. "Are you excited to be back in Jersey?"

The answer to that will always be... yes! Although I absolutely love being away at school and am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to live on my own and create a life for myself, New Jersey will always be home. Being a Jersey Girl will forever be a part of who I am, and I am thankful to be able to call this beautiful place, my home.