Dear New York,

I think I can speak for many when I say that Frank Sinatra said it best, “New York, I love you.”

From the most well-known celebrities to semi-broke college graduates in search of their first job, thousands of people are drawn to the Big Apple every day. With songs, movies, and television shows illustrating how you are where dreams are made of, there is truly nothing you can’t do in New York. And for that, I have so many reasons to thank you.

I could go on about how you are home to some of the best food in the country. From one-of-a-kind delis and bagel shops to Italian restaurants with only the finest selections of wine and cheese, there is something delicious to eat at any time of the day. Where else can you get pizza the size of your face at 1 a.m. for just $2 a slice?

I could continue with how there is nowhere else in the world where you can hop on a train going to one of the greatest cities in the world and do anything from shopping in the most elegant stores or enjoying a dinner at a top-rated restaurant. And when you’re all worn out, you can hop on the Long Island Rail Road and head out east for some happiness in the Hamptons. From wine tasting, fishing, dinners, and more, there are colors in every season to see (because everyone knows that wineries in the Hamptons can compete with those in California). Everyone thinks that you have to go to Hawaii or Florida or some foreign country with coconuts to experience beautiful sceneries, but some of the most unforgettable things I’ve ever seen have been in New York.

But you already know all of that stuff. What really makes you special is what people often don’t think about -- themselves. Anyone with a New York upbringing will agree that we are truly a rare breed of humans. We won’t take nonsense from anyone and can stand on our own two feet, even in 10-degree weather. And even if they weren’t born here, there’s a little bit of New York in anyone who isn’t afraid of causing a scene at the grocery store when someone cuts you online (not in line) or when someone bad mouths your little sister. We don’t waste any time here -- you can walk, talk, and do things as quickly as you like as long as you get them done. And you most certainly will have to if you would like to keep up.

Many people have a pre-conceived idea that all New Yorkers are rude, and while that may be the case during rush hour, we have the big hearts. Whether you’re Italian, Irish, German, or something else, it seems like everyone who lives in New York is centered around family. Maybe it has something to do with The Godfather’s connection, but I’ve never been in a place where I can travel to its very ends at still feel at home. What could be a lonely ride on a train or line at the grocery store usually ends up in a casual conversation with the person next to me.

While many may not realize this, there is so much more to you than what meets the eye and mouth. I know that wherever I may go, I may not have the finest cuisine and group of people at my fingertips, but I will forever have an Empire state of mind.

New York, I love you.