I have lived in the same place my entire life. When I tell some this, they probably see me as a girl who has never experienced anything different. How could one stand to have the same scenery around them 24/7?

While on some days, I am most certainly itching for a view that hosts something brand new, I am truly grateful to have grown up in the place that I have. What I treasure the most is that I am within walking distance to the beach. If I did not have the shore, the hardest nights would have been much worse.

When I am feeling overwhelmed, I drive by the beach. When I am out with friends, we drive to the beach. There’s nothing that a beach drive cannot fix.

When I roll the windows and stick my hand out to meet the salty sea air, I feel truly at bliss and at peace. In the summers, I look forward to the nights I can have the top down and look up to have the stars meet my eyes.

When I go over the Sandy Hook bridge and in the distance, I can see the New York City skyline dazzled up at night, there is nothing more than I could ask for. I wave to the beautiful city and secretly wish I could get closer, but I know that the skyline will always only be a short distance away.

When I decide to take the route from West End to Asbury, I watch as the boardwalk lights slowly become more visible in the distance. I blast my favorite song and sing loudly without a care in the world. On most school days, after class is over I will jump in my car and go en route to the beach.

I enjoy having moments like this, as I know that they do not come often. Summers at the Jersey shore make living here worthwhile, I know that I will not stay here forever, but I will always hold the beach close to my heart.