“Do you live on a farm?” “Did you ride a cow to school?”

If you are from Kansas, then you have probably been asked these questions at some point in your life. And, I am tired of being asked these questions, even if people are just joking, because my home is so much more than Dorothy, tornados, and farms. Going to college out of state has made me realize how beautiful Kansas City truly is, and I am so happy I grew up there. Kansas City is the best place on Earth and my home for more than 6 reasons, but here are some of my favorite:

1. The people are SO nice

Ever heard of Southern hospitality? Imagine that, but in the Midwest, and better. Seriously, I could be walking down on the plaza and strike up a conversation with anyone! Going out of state for college was a huge change for me and way outside my comfort zone, but luckily, I met the lovely Holly Pohlig from Admissions on move-in day last year. She is from Kansas City and great friends with my college counselor, and she made sure I felt right at home in the first few weeks of school. Basically, we Kansas Citians have some sort of secret bond where we are automatically best friends. Let me not get too emotional.

Traveling alone is still so new and intimidating to me, but whenever I sport my Royals or KC apparel, I know I will be okay. The first time I flew home by myself, I could not wait to see my family, and I happened to sit next to an older lady who was visiting Florida for business trip. Turns out, she was a schoolteacher before she retired due to an injury, and then went into the advertising business. As some of y’all may know, I am an Elementary Education major, and I cannot wait until I am teaching students of my own! So, this was HUGE for me.

2. Accessible Culture

Growing up in a place where you can drive or walk to an art museum, concert, or art show where there is not a huge crowd is something I really appreciate as an adult. As a kid, I used to run around the front lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum, and now I can have a picnic on the lawn while discussing various artists with my friend Zoë, and truly grasp the culture that’s right in front of us.

Every third Thursday, the Nelson hosts a sort of party celebration with food trucks, and it is the perfect place to hang out on a hot summer night. Also, every first Friday of the month, the Crossroads District hosts an extravaganza of art and food mania that is so amazing I cannot properly explain it in words. Local artists show their artwork, musicians perform, and there are several tables set up for different types of this local art as well such as jewelry. If you ever visit Kansas City, you have to go to first Fridays. There are so many local artists in this town and their talent baffles me. And, the best thing is there is no entrance fee! All you have to pay for is food.

3. Food

Kansas City barbecue cannot be copied, and no matter how many times you tell me you had Kansas City baby rack ribs at the campus center, I will always tell you that you are wrong and have never had true barbecue.

Kansas is one of the top states for cattle and meat production, so it is no surprise we have the best meat. But seriously, if you have not eaten Kansas City barbecue at Jack Stack, Oklahoma Joe’s (also known as Joe’s), or RJ’s Bob-be-cue Shack, then you have not lived.

4. Geographical area on the map

Well, since we are in the middle of the United States, you can go to the East coast, West coast, North, or South as you please. It depends on your preference, and even though we are landlocked, we have the possibility to go to the beach or the mountains. I am positive if I lived in Florida full time, I would not want to make the trek to California, but living in Kansas doesn't make the trip as long. #MidwestIsBest

5. Weather

Also because we are in the middle of the country, we actually have all four seasons! So, when it is 80 degrees out and it feels like we are actually in Florida, we can look at least look forward to the colder fall months! And, when it is 19 degrees outside with four feet of snow on the ground, we can think about how the sun will be shining so bright in the summer! Now that I am in Florida, I have developed lower cold resistance and have started to think that anything below maybe 60 degrees is cold. But, two years ago, I had morning cheer practice when it would be 20 degrees outside, and it was not that bad. Having all four seasons is really something I miss about home. While it is nice to sit out by the pool in Novemeber, I just really want to go sledding sometimes.

6. Spirit

As you may have heard, Kansas City is home to the 2015 World Series Champions! #PartyLikeIts1985 #BeRoyal #TakeTheCrown #Crowned

I am so proud to be from Kansas City, and trust me, we are not this spirited just because the Royals won. We are spirited all the time. Arrowhead stadium is home to the loudest fans in the Guinness World Records, so you cannot compete with Chiefs fans. #ChiefsKingdom

I remember being so hype before my summer league swim meets, and I was only eight years old! We had all these cheers, and I felt like I was flying when my team cheered me on during events. It was the best way to spend my summers as a kid. Being a cheerleader, I remember being so anxious and emotional because we always wanted our boys to win. I went to a small high school, but the stands were still fairly packed on those Friday night football games.

So whether it’s a Royals, KU, Sporting, or Chiefs game, there are always so many fans. In fact, in a city with a population of about 467,000, over 800,000 people showed up for the parade on Tuesday for the Royals! Downtown was super packed that day, and I cannot imagine how it must have felt to be there!