Growing up in a Wolfpack family has many perks. I knew the campus before I even started high school and I knew how awesome it is to tailgate at Carter-Finley. I knew the fight songs, the cheers, and all of the important players to come through the NCSU program. No matter where I went to school, I would always be a member of the Pack. There are many things that were a part of your life if you grew up in a wolfpack family:

1. Half of your closet was red or NC State attire.

I never lacked in attire for tailgates, even as a little girl. I had NC State hairbows, headbands, costumes, outfits, t-shirts, dresses, pants, and hats. If it had something to do with the Wolfpack, I owned it. (That is still true today.)

2. NCSU memorabilia. EVERYWHERE.

Our home was covered with different NC State things. From clocks to wolf statues, we had it all and it was everywhere. You didn't have to guess who my family wanted to win.

3. Always knowing what team to pull for during a game.

Of course, NCSU was your #1 team, but if they weren't playing it was your second favorite team, ABC (Anybody But Carolina.) Go Pack!

4. Forever knowing that "the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack."

Wolfpack fans stick together. We really have to, because there are always fans of a blue team coming at us in all directions. There is no boundary when it comes to the North Carolina rivalries. Every Pack fan knows the strength in numbers.

5. Raleigh will forever be a second home.

Even if you don't attend NCSU, it will always be a second home to you. It is a place full of memories and pride for any Wolfpack fan. There is nothing like Carter-Finley or the Bell Tower to welcome you back. I am thankful to call it home.

Being a Wolfpack fan isn't the easiest, does "cardiac pack" ring a bell? Although it is ALWAYS stressful, I could not be a fan of any other team.

Our hearts ever hold you, NC STATE, in the folds of our love and pride.