I've lived on Long Island for as long as I can remember and there are just some things about this place you just can't forget. Since being away at college, there are definitely things about Long Island that I desperately wish I could bring with me.

1. The Food

Ask any of my friends and they'll say this is one of the things I complain about most when I’m not on the Island. Nothing compares to Long Island pizza or a bacon, egg, and cheese from the deli. I miss going to Ralph’s on the weekend’s with my friends or going to a 24 hour diner at 2:00 AM on a Wednesday. Also, why can’t I find a 7-11 to get a Slurpee when my throat hurts and I’m not on the Island?

2. The Beach

When I’m home I can take a five-minute drive and be at the Long Island Sound. Sure, when I’m at school I’m a two second walk to the lake, but the ocean is a different ball game. When I’m stressed out, I go to the beach and just listen to the waves or just sit and feel the sand between my toes. Going to the ocean just lets me escape for a little while and be present in the environment.

3. The Accent

When I’m at school, people will point out the accent I have on certain words, or just the language I use in general. There are some people I’ve met that don’t believe I’m from Long Island because I don’t have a stereotypical accent, but they can catch it on certain words that I say. At home, people just get it and don’t comment on it, but at school it’s almost an everyday occurrence.

4. The Driving

Sure, I absolutely hate rush hour on Long Island, but at least I can get in my car a drive a short distance to anywhere. When I’m at school, it takes me a half an hour to get to a Walmart or 45 minutes just to get to a Starbucks. And if I want to go to the mall when I’m at school, it’s about an hour and a half drive just to get there. I’m thankful that at home I can drive 20 minutes to the mall, or at least 15 to the nearest Target.

5. The Summers

I remember growing up and thinking there was nothing to do, or, if there was, I would need the money that I didn’t have. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized there are so many things to do for free. Some of my favorite summer memories are just walking around Port Jeff or Northport with my friends, hiking the Greenbelt Trail with my step-dad, or walking from the Kings Park Bluff to Sunken Meadow Beach.