Pinellas County, Florida. Sun. Sand. Home.

While some cannot wait to leave after high school and never look back, I am grateful to my community for bringing me to where I am today.

Here are 8 life lessons I've learned from growing up in 'PG' County.

1. Patience.

January 30th, 2012. Five years, one month, and one week. That's how long we have been waiting for the widening of 2.28 miles of popular Ulmerton Road. I could jog that stretch at 4.5 mph 88,200 times if I never stopped. I could buy the most expensive car in the world four times and still have $3.8 million left over to help bring contractor company Conalvias back from bankruptcy. Largo resident Tom Iovino took to Facebook to properly express his opinion of Ulmerton Road. "If you are totally bored with smooth, straight, easy to navigate roadways and prefer to take the more weather beaten, adventurous trail, Ulmerton Road is the boulevard for you!"

2. Proper Beach Etiquette.

Trip Advisor recently named two Pinellas County beaches the best in the U.S. with this year's Traveler's Choice Awards. As much as I love playing 'Spot the Tourist' while I soak up the rays, I don't appreciate the way you attract all the seagulls in Florida to our beach with your bread crumbs. Maybe you should throw on some sunscreen instead?

3. The Value of a Good Night's Sleep.

In Seminole, most fast food restaurants shut down at 10 pm on weekends. I've walked in on a Dairy Queen work celebration at 10:07pm because I had no idea a fast food place could close so early on a Friday night. College has spoiled me for sure.

4. Know Your Limits.

If someone asked me where Pinellas County ended and Hillsborough County began, I would tell you to look somewhere along the Howard Frankland Bridge. Don't even ask about the north border. Does it even exist?

5. Happiness is a Long Drive.

This one is self-explanatory. Nothing beats a long drive down Gulf Boulevard with your best friends.

6. You're Worth So Much More.

When people think of Pinellas County, they often think of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Winter the Dolphin, popularized by Universal Studio's 'The Dolphin Tale.' But the truth is, it's so much more. If you look past the tourist traps, you will find a Pinellas County you never knew before, one that is full of surprises and adventure. So don't let people bring you down, because you're worth so much more.

7. The Importance of Breakfast.

Grape Nuts manufacturer General Foods launched a marketing campaign in the 1940's that popularized breakfast and Americans have been grateful ever since. Where do you think the saying 'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day' came from? Local restaurants like Doe Doe's Diner in Bay Pines and Sweet Sage in Madeira Beach are Pinellas County classics. Waffles, anyone?

8. You're Unique.

Only in Pinellas County can you find a small colorful town rich in Scottish culture next to one of the most popular spring break destinations in America. Second, the whole county is a peninsula on a peninsula. Pinellas County truly is a place unlike anywhere else and that's what makes it so special.

Pinellas County has so much to offer the world. W. Clement Stone believed that we are all a product of our environment and I am so thankful for having such a wonderful place to learn from.